Updated: Restaurant in the works for Top A Nails storefront on Avenue A

[Image via Goggle Street View]

As we mentioned last week, CB3 has released the SLA licensing committee docket for October.

One mystery item on the agenda (to be heard Oct. 6) is a new liquor license for 137 Avenue A — currently home to Top A Nails between St. Mark's Place and East Ninth Street.

So far, there aren't many details on the CB3 website about the applicant. The application (PDF!) notes that a restaurant with a full liquor license is in the works. There isn't any mention of the names behind the project. Attorney Ravi Ivan Sharma reps the applicant. (Sharma worked for Pride and Joy BBQ as they tried to open a restaurant in the former Lucky Cheng's space on First Avenue.)

This might prove to be a challenge for the applicant — a full liquor license within a so-called saturated area in a space that previously didn't house a bar-restaurant.

At this point, we're not sure what the deal is with Top A Nails. Based on the number of people we see waiting for manicures and pedicures, this place seems to do brisk business.

Updated 10:58 a.m.

It appears that there might be a mistake on the application with the address. The folks at the salon say they aren't moving. The application might then be for No. 135 — home now to Lucy's. Ugh.

Updated 4:56 p.m.

We're still waiting for clarification on this... the CB3 schedule shows 137 Avenue A ... the application on file at the CB3 website mentions 137 Avenue A on Page 1 ... and 137 Avenue C on Page 2... the owner listed is the same as 137 Avenue C's owner... so, this appears to be a mistake. The application is very likely for 137 Avenue C then — the former home of the Sunburnt Cow...



Updated 5:08 p.m.

There was a mistake on the application — it's for 137 Avenue C, not 137 Avenue A as posted at the CB3 website. Sorry for any moments of panic.

October CB3/SLA highlights: The International and The Cock on the move

[EVG file photo of the International]

CB3 released the SLA licensing committee docket yesterday … there will be two meetings this month — Oct. 6 and Oct. 20. We'll look at the whole agenda (only 21 items in total) in another post.

For the time being, we'll note two bars on the move.

First there's The International, whose owner Molly Fitch is eyeing the vacant space next door that previously housed South Brooklyn Pizza Co. We first reported this last Thursday. You can find out what's in store for 122 First Ave. here. (This item will be heard on Oct. 20.)

Meanwhile, The Cock appears to be leaving its Second Avenue home for Avenue B … specifically 25 Avenue B, according to paperwork at CB3. (The item is set for Oct. 6.)



No. 25 near East Second Street is currently home to Idle Hands. No word on what might become of Idle Hands.

You may find the full agenda here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The International eyeing move next door to the former South Brooklyn Pizza space

CB3 wants your input on 2016 budget priorities

Folks from CB3 asked me to share this… From the EVG inbox...

CB3 Public Hearing — Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Priorities
Wednesday Sept. 17 at 6:30 pm — Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. 4th St. (between Second Avenue and the Bowery)

This is an opportunity for organizations and residents to tell the Community Board their budget priorities.
• What parks need reconstruction?
• What programs need funding?

Help us assess the needs of our community.
Every year the Community Board submits a list of capital and expense budget priorities to city agencies. This hearing is your opportunity to have input into these district budget priorities. Tell us how money should be spent in Community Board 3.

Organizations, groups, and individuals representing all segments of the community are encouraged to participate.

September's CB3/SLA docket is amazingly small

Wow, just nine items (nine items!) on the September CB3/SLA committee agenda. That just might be a record-low.

Anyway! First of all, the meeting is Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. — Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

And now!

Applications within Saturated Areas
• To be Determined, 98 Ave C (wb)

This is the vacant storefront between Alphabet City Beer Co. and Alphabet City Wine Co. Don't have info on this applicant just yet.

• Taqueria Lower East Side (Barraza Foods Inc), 121 Orchard St (op)

• Nadico Hotel LLC, 163 Orchard St (op)

• Epicure Kitchen LLC, 45 Ave B (wb)

Oh, one of those long-empty spaces where LeSouk enjoyed its reign of terror.

Sidewalk Cafe Application
• Berkli Parc Cafe (HH Hospitality LLC), 61 Delancey St (small unenclosed)

New Liquor License Applications
• Taqueria Saint Marks (Barraza Foods Inc), 79 St Marks Pl (op)

• Sliders (Aleppo Slider LLC), 647 E 11th St (upgrade to op)

Haven't met anyone who has been to this place.

• To be Determined, 171 E B'way (op)

• Huertas (Molinero LLC), 107 1st Ave (upgrade to op)

Huertas, a restaurant featuring "the cuisine of Northern Spain," opened back in April.

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

CB3/SLA committee highlights for August: mystery applicant for the Odessa Cafe; catering license for 51 Astor Place

[EVG file photo of the former Odessa Cafe from May]

Oh, the CB3/SLA Licensing Committee docket for August is out now.

The meeting is Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the CB3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

And here are the East Village-related applicants. Find the whole agenda here. We'll have more on some of the applications when more information is available...

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Maiden Lane (Yardbird LLC), 162 Ave B (upgrade to op)

• The Comedians' Club, 120 St Marks Pl (wb)

The new comedy club is angling for the former Addiction Ink storefront at 120 St. Mark's Place. Club owners were previously looking at the former home of Tinto Fino on First Avenue.

• Box Kite Coffee (Tuck Shop Two Corp), 115 St Marks Pl (upgrade to op)

Looks as if the coffee shop, which opened last December, is applying for a full liquor license. Perhaps to pair with the coffee?

Sidewalk Cafe Application

• La Pizza Shop Inc, 110 Ave A

Black Market is applying to add 11 tables (24 total seats) out front.

New Liquor License Applications

• Honshu Ichi (Ichi 88 Inc), 188 1st Ave (op)

This is the Oyama reboot.

• Eurest Dining (Compass Group USA Inc), 51 Astor Pl (op)

Don't get too excited! This is a "catering establishment" liquor license. Compass Group North America is "the leading foodservice management" company based in North Carolina whose clients include IBM. And 51 Astor Place is officially called the IBM Watson building, so...

Items Not Heard at Committee (meaning they aren't up for public discussion)

• Luzzo's (Chito Inc), 211-213 1st Ave (op/corp change)

Paperwork shows that one partner is leaving and one is joining the corporation.

• Odessa Restaurant Inc, 117 Ave A (op/corp change)

No word on who the new applicant is just yet. Since the Odessa Cafe and Bar closed last Aug. 31, at least four different applicants kicked the tires on the space. Asking rent is currently $19,500.

• Milk and Hops (Astoria Cheese Inc), 63 E 9th St (b)

• Red Koi Inc, 57 1st Ave (wb)

• Red and Gold Crab Shack (Red and Gold Boil Inc), 30 St Marks Place (wb)

This is what's taking the former Japadog space.

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

A Mars Bar comeback gains more traction

[Hi! Remember me? Photo from July 2011 by Bobby Williams]

Community Board 3 released its meetings rundown for May … and a conspicuous item appears on the SLA committee docket:

Paul Mil Cafe Inc, 11-17 2nd Ave (op/alt/gut renovation) (Mars Bar)

The listing appears twice, under "alterations" and "items not heard at Committee."

Back in 2011 when Mars Bar was displaced by the impending Jupiter 21 monstrosity on Second Avenue and East First Street… the rumor was that owner Hank Penza had someone in mind to reopen a bar in the retail space. In fact, the person has the actual bar and jukebox from the Mars Bar for the next place.

In early January 2013, Billy Gray at the Commercial Observer reported that the J21 retail lease includes "a second retail space that could assume the notorious Mars Bar's trade name and liquor license."

Per that report:

The development company BFC Partners reached an agreement with the Mars Bar crew that would allow the next commercial tenant to occupy a 4,456 basement and ground floor space under the proud, stubborn and – who knew? – business-minded Mars Bar auspices.

The TD Bank appears to be taking most of the retail space… so where would a bar fit?



Well, there is also retail space on the East First Street side … and the aforementioned basement…



So… is it such a good thing to do a Mars Bar redux? Would it be like making a TV series out of "Casablanca" with David Soul in the Bogart role?

Or something.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The former Mars Bar is becoming a fucking bank branch

So where's that fucking bank branch that's taking the former Mars Bar space?

Rumors: Mars Bar owner Hank Penza ready to open a new space in the next few months

That's it: The Mars Bar is closed for good

CB3/SLA committee March highlights: A new applicant for El Sombrero on Stanton Street?

[EVG file photo]

CB3 released the SLA licensing committee docket on Wednesday… the agenda includes a new proposal for El Sombrero on Stanton and Ludlow, which was previously going to become another outpost of Artichoke Pizza. That deal fell through, as BoweryBoogie first reported last month.

Now, an entity named Two Almontes Corp. is aiming to take over the inexpensive Mexican restaurant that opened here in 1984. We asked Regina Bartkoff, who has worked here since 1988, about all this. She has been out of work the last few weeks with a wrist injury. However! "I heard this rumor and called the restaurant and they told me no! Nothing is happening."

So perhaps chalk this up to some pre-mature paperwork. Anyway, The Hat remains open, of course — go while you still can!

Meanwhile, the rest of the docket is pretty quiet in the way of Big Ticket items…

Applications within Saturated Areas
• Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery (Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery Inc), 215 Ave A (b)

Not sure what is going on here… CB3 had previously OK'd a license for beer at Zaragoza back in May 2012.

• Sigmund Pretzel Shop Inc, 29 Ave B (upgrade to op)

• Paprika (Albatross Restaurant Corp), 110 St Marks Pl (op)

• Nublu (Tatu LLC), 151 Ave C (op)

• Bikinis (Eat Bikinis Inc), 56 Ave C (extend license to patio and gallery space)

New Liquor License Applications
• To be Determined, 117 2nd Ave (wb)

This was a scratch from the February agenda … A taker for the very short-lived Picnic on Second Avenue and East Seventh Street.

• To be Determined, 536 E 5th St (wb)

This is the address for the Minca Ramen Factory and Kuboya next door… not sure what space this application is for at the moment…

• Numero 28 (La Meridiana I Ltd), 176 2nd Ave (wb)

• Menkuitei (Shin Restaurant Inc), 63-69 Cooper Sq (op)

Or Menkui Tei.

• Mesa Seaview (Mesa Seaview), 41-43 E 7th St (upgrade to op)

????

• Eric Thant Corporation, 57 1st Ave (wb) (Pudgie's)

Hmm, Sushi Zayy already opened here at the former Pudgie's-Nathan's-Arthur Treacher's action-packed combo.

• To be Determined, 269 E Houston St (op)

Hahahahaha. This is like the 78th time this has shown up on the agenda. The Local 269 closed here in September 2012. There have been a few potential suitors, though nothing ever came of the various proposals for the bar space. We spotted nine different for rent/sale signs on the business last summer ... The whole building remains on the market for $12 million.

• Gaia Lounge (Sams 1 Lounge Inc), 103 E 2nd St (wb)

The meeting is March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. 4th St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

CB3 hosting program about loans for small business owners

Tomorrow night, CB3's Economic Development Committee will host a presentation for small business owners who have been unable to secure loans.

Per the agenda item:

Elevating Entrepreneurs: Philanthropic program of UBS Community Affairs & Corporate Responsibility, Americas. The initiative provides 3 components for entrepreneurs and small business owners: access to capital (as realized through lending facilities such as the Tri-State and Chicagoland Business Opportunity Funds); small business mentoring; and networking & education events and activities.

Here's a fact sheet (PDF!) with more information.

The meeting is in the Village View Community Room, 175 E. 4th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 6:30 pm.

Applicants for 7A, Odessa Cafe & Bar highlight February CB3/SLA docket

[The former 7A on Tuesday via Bobby Williams]

The February CB3/SLA licensing committee meeting will be split over two nights. Items of interest this month include the mystery applicants for two former Avenue A mainstays — 7A and Odessa Cafe & Bar.

Here are some of the highlights from each night.

Monday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. 4th St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery. (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

Renewal with Complaint
• Mama Bar LLC, 34 Ave B (op)

Applications within Saturated Areas
• ABC Beer Co (Alphabet City Beer Co LLC), 96 Ave C (wb/extend license to backyard)


[EVG file photo]

• Avenue A Project LLC, 117 Ave A (op) (Odessa)

We're curious to see what is taking the space that belonged to the Odessa Cafe & Bar, which closed for business last Aug. 31. Previous plans for the space fell through.

• Klong (Auanthai Inc), 7 St Marks Pl (op)

Sidewalk Cafe Application
• Mama Bar LLC, 32 Ave B

New Liquor License Applications
• To be Determined, 600 E 14th St (op) (Alphabet Cafe)

• Eric Thant Corporation, 57 1st Ave (wb) (Pudgie's)

Oh! A taker for the former Pudgie's-Nathan's-Arthur Treacher's action-packed combo!

• To be Determined, 325 Bowery (op) (Peels)

Eater reported that Andrew Carmellini and business partners Luke Ostrom and Josh Pickard are opening a "casual pasta shop" called Bar Primi at the now-shuttered Peels.

Corporate Change (not heard at committee)
• Euzkadi Restaurant (PYB Inc), 108 E 4th St (wb)

• New 7A Cafe LLC, 109 Ave A (op)

The 24-hour restaurant closed for business after Sunday. The rumor is that bold-face namers Serge Becker and Josh Pickard are opening some kind of Southern-themed restaurant here.

-----

Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. -- University Settlement at Houston Street Center - 273 Bowery

New Liquor License Applications
• To be Determined, 117 2nd Ave (wb) (Picnic)

A taker for the very short-lived Picnic on Second Avenue and East Seventh Street.

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

CB3/SLA January highlights include new projects from Alex Stupak and John McDonald; plus a new applicant for 50 Avenue B

Community Board 3 has released its meeting schedule for the month… here's a look at the SLA Licensing Committee docket…

But first! The meeting is Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. … at the CB3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery…

To date, not much is known about some of these applicants … so we'll just have to randomly speculate! (Like usual!) Anyway, to some East Village-related highlights from the agenda…


[132 St. Mark's Place]

Applications within Saturated Areas

• To be Determined, 132 St Marks Pl (op)
Empellón chef Alex Stupak plans to open his third restaurant at this location. The Sushi Lounge closed at the end of October.

• Swauto Ltd, 25 Ave A (op/alt/convert part of basement to lounge with additional bar)
Looks like 2A has some expansion plans…

• To be Determined, 511 E 6th St (op)
This is the former Identity Bar and Lounge, which closed back in October.

• Wafels & Dinges (Degeest LLC), 15 Ave B (wb)

• Love Craft, Johnny Favorite's (Sunrise Shadow LLC), 240 E 4th St (aka 50 Ave B) (op)
There appears to be a new player interested in the former Affaire space on Avenue B… some residents weren't too keen on the previous applicant who wanted to open Brownstone Bar and Grill.

Paperwork on file at the CB3 website lists the applicant as Mario Yagubi, owner of a boxing promotional group, as well as 1849 Restaurant, Bar and Parlor on Bleecker Street.

Here is a promotional flyer for 1849's weekend dance parties:



Alterations
• Everyman Espresso LLC, 136 E 13th St (wb/include alcohol service in theater)



• Brazen Fox Kitchen & Craft Beer (106 3rd Ave NYC Inc), 106 3rd Ave (aka 145 E 13th St) (op/2nd Fl outdoor deck in back)
The new bar-restaurant at East 13th Street … we recall that some neighbors had issues with the previous tenant, Friend House… we attended a CB3/SLA meeting where residents complained about late-night noise from the second-floor bar … but those were different operators, of course …

New Liquor License Applications

• 9 East First Street LLC, 9 E 1st St (upgrade to op)
The former Veselka Bowery space. Eater and Grub Street previously reported that restaurateur John McDonald signed a lease for a steakhouse/oyster place here. This was a scratch from a previous month.

• To be Determined, 325 Bowery (op)
This is the address of Peels… wonder what's going on here… the building was sold last summer for more than $9 million.

• Il Posto Accanto (And Another One Inc), 190 E 2nd St (op)

• Farfasha (Entrez Bar & Grill Inc), 162 2nd Ave (upgrade to op)

• Feast (Two Guize LLC), 102 3rd Ave (upgrade to op)

• Moonstruck (88 2nd Ave Food Corp), 88 2nd Ave (op)

• Robataya (America Ootoya Inc), 231 E 9th St (upgrade to op)

• Mei E Iron Sushi 38 Inc, 212 E 10th St (wb)

• To be Determined, 600 E 14th St (op)
Hmmm… this is AlphaBet Cafe at Avenue B, which has had problems of late with gas and the DOH… appears something new is in the works here.

• 279 E Houston Corp, 279 E Houston St (wb)
This is a vacant storefront between Suffolk and Clinton that last housed some kind of boutique, right?

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

Here's more of the November CB3/SLA docket

[Root & Bone on East Third Street]

Yesterday we looked at three of the applicants on the November CB3/SLA agenda. (Find that post here.)

And please note that the CB3/SLA meetings are now double the fun, double the drama! The meetings are now spread out over two nights.
So here's a look at some more of the above East Houston (mostly!) applicants... starting with Monday!

Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm — Community Board 3 Office, 59 East 4th Street (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Brownstone Lounge & Grill, 240 E 4th St (op) (aka 50 Ave B)

That was quick. In the face of neighbor opposition and skepticism from Board members about a rather half-baked business plan, the applicants looking to take over the former Affaire space decided to withdraw their application during the October CB3/SLA meeting. Guess they have it all figured out after a month.

Alterations
• Rockwood Music Hall (Ken Rock Enterprises LLC), 192 Allen St (op/acoustic music in basement)

• Nublu (Tatu LLC), 151 Ave C (op/expand to upstairs)

New Liquor License Applications

• To be Determined, 8 Extra Pl (op)

Most likely the new location for Momofuku Ko.

• DY Schnitz LLC, 177 1st Ave (wb)

The mystery applicants taking over the former Something Sweet bakery.

• Root & Bone (Root & Bone LLC), 200 E 3rd St (op)

As previously reported, "Top Chef" alum Jeff McInnis and current "Top Chef" contestant Janine Boothwas are joining forces to open a restaurant called Root & Bone at the former Mama's Food Shop and Heart N' Soul on East Third Street and Avenue B.

• 9 East First Street LLC, 9 E 1st St (op)

The former Veselka Bowery space. Eater and Grub Street reported that restaurateur John McDonald signed a lease for a steakhouse/oyster place here.

• To be Determined, 269 E Houston St (op)

About the 500th time an unknown applicant has signed up to take over the former Local 269 venue on East Houston at Suffolk. The applicants always seem to withdraw before the meetings.

• Gaia Lounge (Sams 1 Lounge Inc), 103 E 2nd St (wb)

The former Animal Crackers pet shop near First Avenue.

• Moonstruck (88 2nd Ave Food Corp), 88 2nd Ave (op)

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

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Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 pm — Community Board 3 Office, 59 East 4th Street (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Cantina LES (Black Fish LLC), 8-10 Ave B (op)

The former M&M Variety Hardware between Houston and East Second Street looks to become a bar/restaurant serving Mexican fare... the applicants had previously looked at 1 Ludlow St.

New Liquor License Applications

• To be Determined, 134 1st Ave (op)

This is the address of Simone at St. Mark's Place... anyone know what's happening here?

• Ginger (Gold River Restaurant Corp), 109 1st Ave (upgrade/op)

• Ethos Meze (167 AA Rest Corp), 167 Ave A (op) (saturated area)

As we first reported on Oct. 3, the Diablo Royale Este space will become a Greek place from restauranteur John Kapetanos, who operates Ethos Gallery, Ethos Meze and the Moonstruck Diners, among others.

Corporate Change (not heard at committee)

• Paprika (Inter Pepe Inc), 110 St Marks Pl (wb)

• Croissanteria (Croissanteria Inc), 68 Ave A (wb)

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b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

CB3/SLA highlights: Liquor license applicants for former bakery, pet shop and hardware store

[Something Sweet from February 2012]

Community Board 3 released the agenda for next month's liquor licensing committee meeting... which is split over two nights — Nov. 18 and 19.

We'll take a look at the whole rundown later... until then, three items of interest ... three new liquor licenses for addresses that were previously not bars/restaurants ... for the time being, not much is known about the applicants...

New Liquor License Applications
• DY Schnitz LLC, 177 1st Ave (wb)

There's an applicant looking to take over the former Something Sweet space, the family-owned bakery at East 11th Street.

• Gaia Lounge (Sams 1 Lounge Inc), 103 E 2nd St (wb)

And there's an applicant eyeing the former family-run pet store on East Second Street between First Avenue and Avenue A. They closed in August 2012.

Applications within Saturated Areas
• Cantina LES (Black Fish LLC), 8-10 Ave B (op)

And the former M&M Variety Hardware between Houston and East Second Street looks to become a bar/restaurant serving Mexican fare... the applicants had previously looked at 1 Ludlow St.

[Photo by Goggla]

Borough President Scott Stringer voices concern over CB3's suspension of the L.E.S. Dwellers

As we first reported yesterday morning, neighborhood group The L.E.S. Dwellers are demanding an impartial investigation into their recent suspension by Community Board 3.

Upon their suspension, the group submitted a formal complaint to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, whose office oversees the city's Community Board governance.

Stringer responded to CB3 Chairperson Gigi Li and District Manager Susan Stetzer yesterday. A tipster shared a copy of Stringer's letter.


[Click on image to enlarge]

As he wrote, "the decision to exclude an organization ... under these circumstances does not serve the interest of community board transparency and democratic representation."

And later:

"While I understand the view that the organization may have detracted from community input by influencing certain applicants to withdraw from the Board's process, I do not believe a 'suspension' of the organization is the most effective response to such a concern. The act of suspending a community organization for lawful conduct from a program promoting community input without a fully deliberative process has implications for the transparency and fairness of community board governance. For these reasons, I ask that the Board reconsider its current policy of excluding organizations . . . to ensure that its mission of representing and responding to community concerns remains fully transparent and open to public scrutiny."

The L.E.S. Dwellers have been active in opposing new liquor licenses on the Lower East Side, including the proposed SoHo House on Ludlow Street ... and the ongoing battle with the DL on Delancey. CB3 first recognized the L.E.S. Dwellers as a block association in October 2012.

The CB3 suspension is to last the remainder of 2013.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Breaking Badly: LES Dwellers demand impartial investigation of Community Board 3 (33 comments)

Breaking Badly: LES Dwellers demand impartial investigation of Community Board 3

Earlier this month, in a highly publicized move, Community Board 3 notified the neighborhood group The L.E.S. Dwellers that it was suspending it as a recognized block association for the remainder of the year.

As The Lo-Down reported on Oct. 7:

In a letter that was sent not only to the Dwellers but to members of CB3′s SLA Committee, Chairperson Gigi Li wrote, "it appears that the group has been working as its own entity” and acting as a 'shadow community board.'"

(Read more about this at BoweryBoogie and DNAinfo, who first reported the story.)

The L.E.S. Dwellers have been active in opposing new liquor licenses on the Lower East Side, including the proposed SoHo House on Ludlow Street ... and the ongoing battle with the DL on Delancey. (CB3 first recognized the L.E.S. Dwellers as a block association in October 2012.)

The group shared the following letter calling for an investigation of CB3 with us.

The recent suspension of our group, L.E.S. Dwellers (“LESD”), by Community Board #3 (“CB3”) is an attempt by a few members of CB3 — without board approval — to limit our participation in the process. The tactics to gerrymander our boundaries and impose an unlawful suspension where we are relegated to speak as individuals not as an organized group before CB3, applicants, existing businesses and the hundreds of residents who have taken various forms of action alongside us, is a blatant suppression of our First Amendment rights of free speech, assembly and to petition the government. Essentially, CB3’s self-determined jurisdiction over the way the LESD can dissent and demonstrate is a community board’s version of a gag order.

The purposeful narrowing by CB3 of free speech rights through sanctioned limitations that purportedly serve to protect the very rights that are being suppressed treads on treacherous First Amendment waters. This sets a standard for what community board’s can demand of neighborhood organizations and constituents. In CB3, or anywhere, the entity charged to hear the concerns of the residents and act as the liaison with government agencies, will now have the tacit authority to determine the propriety and delivery of those concerns.

Through the seemingly arbitrary and capricious nature of decisions made by certain members of CB3, there is a preponderance of evidence to suggest that our rights have been threatened for some time. For six months, CB3 has systematically challenged the legitimacy and representation of the LESD. The 58-minute conversation outlines the exact rationale for the suspension, including a selection of information not reported by Ms. Li in her formal letter. Overall, it reveals the unedited delivery of CB3’s ruling against LESD.

The audio presents an opportunity to understand the ongoing challenges we have endured from the community board, the reasons for the suspension, the manner in which it was decided, and other particularities about the inconsistent operations of the board. CB reps repeatedly overstep their bounds in the conversation and admit that while they may not approve of the manner in which LESD has acted, we have behaved lawfully and within our rights.

If community boards are permitted to impose limitations and suspend community groups absent of procedure and just cause, then the influence over government policy through protest and demonstration is severely hampered if not diminished all together. The result increases government agencies' influence over their own agendas without necessary checks and balances.

This is why, upon our suspension, we submitted a formal complaint to Manhattan Borough President (“MBP”) Scott Stringer. The complaint included an audio recording of the entirety of the conversation between the L.E.S. Dwellers and Board Chair Gigi Li and District Manager Susan Stetzer, in which LESD was told of the suspension and the reasons therefore, as well as the Community Board suspension letter and response letter from the L.E.S. Dwellers, including 81 pages of supporting supplemental material.

We then followed up with written request (CB3 Special Task Force: LESD Suspension Letter) on October 10th to CB3 chair Gigi Li to convene an independent, internal panel (“Special Task Force”) to investigate the facts and events surrounding the suspension of the LESD. We asked that the Special Task Force be charged with investigating two matters. First, did the LESD engage in any unlawful or inappropriate conduct that would warrant a suspension by CB3? Second, did CB3 Chair Gigi Li, CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer or any other member of the CB3 Executive Committee engage in unlawful or inappropriate conduct in suspending LESD?

Further, we requested to maintain independence and neutrality, the Special Task Force should be made up only of rank-and-file members of CB3, not members of the Executive Committee, including any current committee chairs. Additionally, we asked that our letter be distributed to all members of CB3, not just the Executive Committee, and requested during the course of the investigation and until the report is released, the suspension of LESD should be held in abeyance. In return, LESD would agree not to take legal action against CB3 or any of its officers or employees until the report of the Special task force is released.

As to date, CB3 has not responded to our request.

Diem Boyd
Founder of the LES Dwellers

The group shared the entirety of the nearly 60-minute conversation between them and Board Chair Gigi Li and District Manager Susan Stetzer from Sept. 27. The Timestamp link is suggestion only of particular parts of the conversation that they were concerned by or felt deserved special attention and/or consideration.

Plans for Brownstone Lounge and Grill on hold for now on Avenue B; Ludlow St. replacements go 0-3

A quick note about Monday evening's CB3/SLA committee meeting. Members of the East 4th St. Block Association and other nearby residents had concerns about the applicant looking to take over the former Affaire space at 50 Avenue B (aka (240 E. Fourth St.).

Among other concerns, the applicant for the Brownstone Lounge and Grill apparently doesn't have any restaurant experience ... with a business plan that relies upon private party rentals of the basement.

As we understand it, in lieu of a likely denial recommendation to the SLA from CB3/SLA committee, the Brownstone principal withdrew his application (for now), and was told that he was welcome to come back with more robust plans for a restaurant.

BoweryBoogie reported that the principal is an IT business manager in Harlem and none of the investors have any track record in the nightlife/restaurant industry. Given the nightlife fuckery around here through the years (LeSouk and China 1, for starters), residents were understandably concerned about about any potentially noisy operation here.

Meanwhile! One other note... the applicants looking to take over three Ludlow Street mainstays didn't fare so well.

• Chicken-and-waffles restaurant Sweet Chick was looking to open a second outpost in the Max Fish space. As BoweryBoogie reported: "Residents of the 100-year-old tenement were ultimately worried that a fried food establishment in a 'porous' building would negatively impact quality of life." The committee ultimately did not approve this application.

• The committee reportedly convinced the applicant looking to take over the former Motor City space to temporarily withdraw his application. The Lo-Down described the new concept as a restaurant "featuring skewers from around the world." Oh boy.

• The committee also denied Artichoke's bid to take over El Sombrero's space, via The Lo-Down.

An updated look at tonight's CB3/SLA committee meeting docket

[The former Max Fish at 178 Ludlow]

So! The CB3/SLA licensing committee meets tonight... and there are two sessions — one at at 6:30 and 8:30...

Community Board 3 Office - 59 East 4th Street (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

Here's an updated look at a few of the items on tonight's agenda...

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Brownstone Lounge and Grill, 240 E 4th St (op) (aka 50 Ave B) (Affaire) (6:30pm)

Some nearby residents are concerned about the applicant looking to take over the Affaire space at 50 Avenue B. They met with Brownstone reps last Thursday.

As we understand it, the meeting did nothing to make the residents feel any better about the new venue. Among other concerns, the applicant apparently doesn't have any restaurant experience ... with a business plan that relies upon private party rentals of the basement space. In addition, residents feel as if the food is merely secondary to the space serving as a sports bar (plans call for 8 big-screen TVs) and party venue.

• JMDR 127 Ludlow LLC, 127 Ludlow St (op) (8:30pm)

This is the space held the past 17 years by the Motor City Bar... The application filed ahead of tonight's meeting doesn't provide much information about the new venture... other than the place will include a raw bar and a small DJ booth... the space would look like this, per CB3 documents...



• To be Determined, 178 Ludlow St (op) (6:30pm)

The former Max Fish space is being fitted for an outpost of Sweet Chick, a southern-style restaurant ... BoweryBoogie has more on this here.

• Spiegel (Spiegel Inc), 26 1st Ave (wb) (6:30pm)

Apparently the newish corner deli here at East Second Street will make way for something called Spiegel, an American-Middle Eastern restaurant with hours from 8 a.m. to midnight.

• Maiden Lane (Yardbird LLC), 162 Ave B (alt/wb/extend hours to 2am Sun-Sat) (6:30pm)

Alterations

• The Delancey (ADR Restaurant Inc), 168 Delancey St (op/live music in basement only) (6:30pm)

New Liquor License Applications

• Mee Noodle Shop (Mee Enterprise Inc), 223 1st Ave (wb) (8:30 pm)

Mee is looking to serve beer and wine when they return to First Avenue.

• Artichoke Basille's Pizza (Stanton Restaurant Associates LLC), 108 Stanton St (op) (8:30pm)

As previously reported, the Artichokers are looking to take over El Sombrero here...

• Huertas (Molinero LLC), 107 1st Ave (wb) (8:30pm)

This is the space last held by L'asso EV. According to paperwork on file with CB3, Huertas will be a Spanish-themed restaurant with hours of 11:30 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday; to 1 a.m. on Friday-Saturday. The applicants previously owned a restaurant on Long Island.

Old Business-complaint

• The DL/Dinner on Ludlow (93 Ludlow St Inc), 95 Delancey St (op) (6:30pm)

The drama continues. Read about it at DNAinfo ... BoweryBoogie ... and The Lo-Down...

Report: David McWater is resigning from Community Board 3

[David McWater, seated left, during last week's CB3/SLA meeting. Photo by BoweryBoogie]

Longtime CB3 member David McWater will resign during tonight's full board meeting, according to an article published at The Villager this morning.

Per the article:

“I’ve done more than any community board member in the history of New York City,” McWater told The Villager. “Nobody in the last 20 years did anything like the Lower East Side rezoning and SPURA. The community owes me a debt — nobody’s ever done what we’ve done. Nobody — nobody ever did anything like SPURA and the rezoning.

“The proudest moments in my life were the Lower East Side rezoning and SPURA,” he said. “With the Lower East Side rezoning we stopped N.Y.U. in their tracks at Third Ave.; except for a few areas, you can’t go over eight stories. We stopped the dorms, we stopped the hotels. It’s the greatest bulwark against gentrification the Lower East Side could ever have — and I believe, in my heart, we saved the homes of hundreds and possibly thousands of people, protecting them from being harassed out of their homes by landlords and developers to build buildings.”

McWater said that he'll likely make his remarks to the Board and community tonight "between the public session and the period where politicians and their representatives give their reports."

The resignation comes one week after an ugly confrontation between McWater and neighborhood group the LES Dwellers during the CB3/SLA committee meeting on Sept. 16.

You can read the entire Villager piece here.

[Updated] CB3 member David McWater charges resident during contentious liquor-license meeting

An ugly scene reportedly played out during last night's CB3/SLA committee meeting between board member David McWater and neighborhood group the LES Dwellers.

BoweryBoogie and The Lo-Down were both in attendance and witnessed what transpired. After a pitch by applicants hoping to take over the Gallery Bar space on Orchard Street, McWater made his first appearance at the meeting.

That's when Sara Romanoski, part of the Dwellers group (and director of the East Village Community Coalition), noted that he arrived "just in time to support Darin Rubell, a current co-owner of the Gallery Bar space," as The Lo-Down put it. (McWater sold Nice Guy Eddie's to Rubell, who turned the space into Boulton & Watt.)

The comment caused him to reportedly leap out of his chair and come face-to-face with Romanoski. Per BoweryBoogie: "Those pushed buttons resulted in constant verbal attacks between the two parties, and near fisticuffs after McWater charged Romanoski (Ed. note: CB3 needs to address this issue, stat)."

An EVG reader in attendance last night told us this in an email: "His behavior was outrageous, [he] reduced her to tears." (The reader said that McWater later apologized to Romanoski outside.)

The Lo-Down spoke with McWater by phone after the meeting. "McWater told us he was angered by the insinuation that he’s somehow corrupt and argued that the Dwellers went on a personal attack against him. In our conversation and during the hearing, McWater said he was late due to another meeting concerning an important land use issue."

Read the full coverage at BoweryBoogie (who has video of the aftermath) ... and The Lo-Down.

Updated 3:04 pm

Gothamist has a lot more on the meeting. According to a video that Gothamist has posted, "things escalated quickly, with McWater vowing to 'bury' Aaron Sosnick of the East Village Community Coalition."



[Photo via BoweryBoogie]

Help CB3 assess the needs of the neighborhood

Bill LoSasso, treasurer at Community Board 3, passed this along...

CB3 Public Hearing — Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Priorities

Monday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. 4th Street between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

This is an opportunity for organizations and residents to tell the Community Board their budget priorities.

What parks need reconstruction? What programs need funding? Help us assess the needs of our community.

Every year the Community Board submits a list of capital and expense budget priorities to city agencies. This hearing is your opportunity to have input into these district budget priorities. Tell us how money should be spent in Community Board 3.

Organizations, groups and individuals representing all segments of the community are encouraged to participate.

'Modern Australian' in the works for The Beagle space on Avenue A

More details are emerging about applicants on this month's CB3/SLA Licensing Committee meeting agenda. According to paperwork (PDF!) filed ahead of the meeting on the CB3 website, there's a sale of assets at the Beagle, 162 Avenue A.



There's not a lot of information. The new applicant goes by the name Flinders Lane LLC and describes itself as "modern Australian." (Flinders Lane is a street in the central business district of Melbourne, Wikipedia helpfully pointed out.) The proposed hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. The forms do not include any names of the new principals, though none of them have previously held a license for alcohol.

The Beagle, which remains open, first debuted here in the former Orologio space between 10th Street and 11th Street in May 2011. The Beagle's initial "pairing boards" included items such as Pressed Pig Head and Rum, Lamb Neck and Rye, and Scallop and Mezcal. The Beagle closed for part of last summer to rework their menu and cocktails.