Reminders tonight: Sweet CB3/SLA action!

Sadly, I won't be able to attend tonight's CB3/SLA meeting... and many things to monitor on the docket...

Such as a liquor license transfer for Sin Sin/Leopard Lounge...

And... A few more highlights....

Sidewalk Cafe Applications
-- The Penny Farthing, 103 3rd Ave
-- The 13th Step, 149 2nd Ave

Alterations/Transfers/Upgrades
-- Mama Bar LLC, 34 Ave B (alt/op/expand to basement space)

New Liquor License Applications
-- Justified LLC, 102 1st Ave (op) (Lilly Coogan's) — from the good people behind the International
-- Tin Lizard LLC, 511 E 5th St (rw) (Butcher Bay)
-- Vbar Amato (Vbar2 LLC), 319 Bowery (op) — The old Amato Opera



The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the JASA/Green Residence - 200 E. Fifth St. at the Bowery. Bring a six-pack!

Please let me know if you happen to attend and want to share a few highlights...

Some future new bars to maybe not like

I haven't even written about all the action from the last CB3/SLA meeting... and the CB3/SLA released the docket for the July meeting... and this one has a few summer blockbusters... (Eater and Fork in the Road noted a few of these last Friday afternoon...)

The big one: The historic Amato Opera on the Bowery is destined to become a bar.



Of course! I recently noted the new for rent sign on the building, which said that food was OK here... So, the owners of V Bar, a West Village beer-and-wine cafe, are taking the challenge... which might be why someone removed the commemorative plaque that was placed above the Amato Opera doorway last June.

[Update: Thanks to EV Grieve Mimi reader for pointing out there's a V Bar on First Avenue and St. Mark's Place too, at the former Tribe space. Same owners at the West Village location.]

Also! There are takers for the Butcher Bar space on East Fifth Street and Lilly Coogan's on First Avenue...

A few more highlights....

Sidewalk Cafe Applications
-- The Penny Farthing, 103 3rd Ave
-- The 13th Step, 149 2nd Ave

Alterations/Transfers/Upgrades
-- Mama Bar LLC, 34 Ave B (alt/op/expand to basement space)

New Liquor License Applications
-- Justified LLC, 102 1st Ave (op) (Lilly Coogan's)
-- Teany (Teany Cafe LLC), 90 Rivington St (rw)
-- Tin Lizard LLC, 511 E 5th St (rw) (Butcher Bay)
-- La Isla (MJDD Enterprises Inc), 542 E 14th St (rw)
-- Vbar Amato (Vbar2 LLC), 319 Bowery (op)

The meeting is July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the JASA/Green Residence - 200 E. Fifth St. at the Bowery. Bring a date!

A letter of opposition to the new Italian eatery for former Graceland space

Well, the big story of late concerns the fate of Avenue A and Second Street, the former home of Graceland... Anyway, as you know, Frank Prisinzano, who owns EV Italian empire Frank, Lil' Frankie's and Supper, came before the CB3/SLA committee on June 14 with his plans to turn the former grocery into what he described as fast-food Italian. "I want to give the community inexpensive Italian," he said. "I'm hoping this becomes a neighborhood staple like my other places." He stressed over and over that this won't be a bar or a nightclub. After 75 minutes of intense debate, the CB3/SLA committee were deadlocked.

Tonight, the full Community Board hears this application.

There has been so much spirited debate about this here ... (Read the 40-plus comments here.) The alleged alternatives here are a bank or 7-Eleven.

Meanwhile, some residents of East Second Street, including those at 156, remain opposed to his plans.

What follows is an excerpt of the letter some residents from 156 E. Second St. have sent to CB3:

To: CB3 SLA Committee


Re: Proposed use of 150 East 2nd Street by Frank Prisinzano for an Italian Restaurant


Dear sir or madam,

We have been a long term residents of 156 East 2nd Street. For the last eight years Mr. Prisinzano has been the proprietor of the restaurant Supper, which includes a bar and sidewalk cafe. Supper has been seriously problematic for the residents of the building and residents on the block for the following reasons:



--Crowds and Noise. Supper has consistently allowed their customers to block the sidewalk, such that residents of the block and of the building have to regularly walk into the street to get by. The noise that results from their allowing customers to wait for tables on the sidewalk has regularly and severely disturbed the quality of life for the residents of 156 East 2nd Street and adjacent buildings. They have regularly kept their doors and windows open, creating more noise. In addition to — despite repeated complaints — their continuing to allow their customers to block the sidewalk, they have had poor and inadequate signage asking their patrons to respect the neighbors. They have allowed customers to hold open containers of alcohol on the sidewalk, and at times have had more chairs on the sidewalk cafe than allowed as per their license.

--Poor Response to Complaints. There is a long history of complaints by neighborhood residents against this establishment. But for Supper’s first six years, the management responded poorly to the complaints of residents of the building and the block. Very little was done to establish a better host policy, to keep their customers off the sidewalk and to keep the noise level down. The response by management to the residents of the building and the block was mostly to say they were “doing the best they could” to keep the noise and sidewalk blockage down, without in fact taking any noticeable steps to do so. 



During the last two years, Supper’s management has been somewhat more proactive about communicating with residents of the building and the block to remedy the problems. While there has been some improvement, there continues to be regular disturbances. The fact that a genuine response to complaints took six years suggests that their neighbors’ quality of life is not a priority to Supper’s management. 



--Disregard of the CB3 SLA Committee. Supper’s management has regularly disrespected the requests of CB3 SLA Committee to do a better job of minimizing noise and sidewalk blockage. Every time they have come up for renewal they have come up against a complaint history. When they receive their renewal with the stipulation that they change their door policy to enforce less noise and less sidewalk blockage, they say they will do so and they do not. The most recent example of such disrespect was when, in 2008, they made an agreement to erect a barrier between the restaurant portion of the sidewalk and the public sidewalk and entrance to the residential building. It took them two years to begin to comply with this agreement, and it still has not been completed.

At the same time, in 2008, they made an agreement to close their windows and doors after 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends. They have consistently failed to do so. It was only after consistent direct complaints from residents that they began to do a better job with this. The fact that it took two years to comply with CB3 SLA agreements to respond to quality of life issues is an indication that such poor attention to quality of life issues will managed the same way if they open another establishment in the area. 



--Misrepresentation and Disrespect for Regulations. When they originally opened the establishment, they promised the residents that it would be a “quiet family restaurant “ that “wouldn't have a loud bar “ and that “the bar would be primarily a service bar for the restaurant.” This has never been true, and over time they have made their bar into a separate drinking establishment, which has increased the noise level. They advertise through signage in front of the restaurant drink specials and happy hour, and regularly use the sidewalk tables outside the bar area to serve drinks to customers who are not eating. This causes more noise and is evidence that they are willing to misrepresent their establishments for the purposes of getting licensed.

The most egregious display of this management team’s flagrant disrespect for regulations occurred in July 2009. When their liquor license lapsed and they did not put in the renewal on time they temporarily lost their license to serve alcohol. However, they continued to serve alcohol for over a week past the lapse of the license. They only stopped serving alcohol without a license when the police were called to shut down the bar. (Nevertheless, they eventually did receive their renewal.)

-- Saturation of Bars in the Vicinity. Avenue A and East Second Street does not need another bar. Just on the four blocks immediately extending out from this intersection, there are at present some dozen bar/restaurants. For the three weekend nights of the week (Thursday nights having become nearly as busy as Friday and Saturdays) this leads to a rowdy party atmosphere, with crowds of people blocking sidewalks, smoking, shouting drunkenly, etc. Our immediate neighborhood has become saturated with places that serve alcohol, while otherwise-useful businesses are dwindling, to the detriment of our quality of life.

If all of the circumstances detailed above are any indication of how Mr. Prisinzano and his management team run their businesses, we definitely do not need another one on our block, and so close to the establishment that has already wreaked so much havoc on the neighborhood. If Supper was proposing to move to the corner, closing the restaurant and bar in our building, that would be another matter, and would at least move the noise to the avenue, restoring some of the quieter side-street atmosphere to the block.

Thank you for taking all these facts into consideration as you consider giving approval for Mr. Prisinzano to operate a restaurant/sidewalk café/bar at 150 East 2nd Street.

Sincerely,

Residents
156 E.2nd Street

Previously on EV Grieve:
CB3 deadlocked over new "fast-food Italian" at former Graceland space; 7-Eleven next?

"All uses considered" at former Graceland

Owners of Frank-Lil' Frankie's-Supper taking over the former Graceland space

CB3 deadlocked over new "fast-food Italian" at former Graceland space; 7-Eleven next?

Last night, Frank Prisinzano, who owns EV Italian empire Frank, Lil' Frankie's and Supper, came before the CB3/SLA committee with his plans to turn the former Graceland grocery at Second Street and Avenue A into what he described as fast-food Italian.

Nearly 75 minutes of serious high drama later, the committee was deadlocked in its decision to grant Prisinzano a beer and wine license.

Prisinzano started with his concept. He called it "a simple Italian cafeteria" and "quick, easy volume." Menu items would range from $5.95 to $10.95... most food would be prepped to serve in a hurry, with no more than a five or 10-minute wait. People could be in and out for a meal in 45 minutes or less.

And there would be a separate to-go kitchen. And it would be all eco-friendly. With plenty of soundproofing, per the lease, which he has yet to sign. "I want to give the community inexpensive Italian," he said. "I'm hoping this becomes a neighborhood staple like my other places." And! "This is not a nightclub. This is not a bar."

In total, the new eatery would accommodate 190 people, including 75 seats in a sidewalk cafe along the 50-plus feet of Avenue A storefront. This space is currently twice the size of any one of his other eateries.

And he had two last things to say (for now)... "We need help with our fast food in this country. This is my attempt at it."

Then he went in for the kill. Prisinzano said the landlord is currently weighing three other offers: A bank, a 7-Eleven and a bank.

Shudder!

Then some residents spoke. A common theme emerged: Hell. One longtime resident said Avenue A between Third Street and Houston is hell Thursday through Saturday nights. "We hear people vomit," the resident said. "It's a little row of hell." Most residents who spoke mentioned Aces & Eights as the main culprit.

The resident said that she and some of her neighbors have all learned a dance "where we pray for rain [on weekends] to douse the crowds."

It was also mentioned that Supper has had issues with crowd control on Second Street in the past. Prisinzano said that he is getting more "militant" about crowd control. For instance, he has installed video cameras outside all three of his restaurants so that he can monitor the situation from his computer. He said that he can discipline the host or hostess if he or she doesn't help keep the crowds in check. "Now I have accountability," he said. "Big Brother is in the sky."

Susan Stetzer, district manager of CB3 and a nearby resident, also spoke out against the planned restaurant.

"It will just be hell," she said. "I don't see the benefit" for the community. There was some back and forth. She kept with the hell theme. "We just cannot take more people on that street. It's hell." And! "We're begging you not to have another [bar] on this block. It's just hell."

Prisinzano reiterated that this space won't be a bar; that he will serve inexpensive food and will be a good neighborhood. As for this stretch of Avenue A, he said "that block is full of shitty bars." (Perhaps he didn't realize that committee member David McWater, who was sitting a few feet from him, owns several bars on that block.)

So, he was pretty much approve this or, "otherwise you're going to get a bank or a 7-Eleven. Your choice."

Stetzer said that she was tired of people telling her and other residents what will be good for the neighborhood.

At some point Prisinzano said, "I'm not Aces & Eights."

Eventually committee chair Alexandra Militano threatened to make Prisinzano and Stetzer leave the meeting if they spoke up one more time.

There was more debate among the committee members. Militano said that she hasn't heard the end of it from residents ever since the committee approved the transfer of Aces & Eights from Mo Pitkins. There was an argument about motions to pass along to the State Liquor Authority between Militano and McWater, who told her, "I was dealing with the SLA while you were still in law school."

In the end, 75 minutes later, the committee was deadlocked in their vote. Prisinzano looked incredulous. The whole thing will be kicked to the full CB3 meeting on June 22

Previously on EV Grieve:
"All uses considered" at former Graceland

Owners of Frank-Lil' Frankie's-Supper taking over the former Graceland space

More here.

On second thought: No to the fishmonger for Avenue A

At the April CB3/SLA meeting, the committee approved a full-liquor license (within a resolution area) for Keith Masco's seafood market/restaurant/high-end cocktail bar at 171 Avenue A.

As you'll recall, Masco will sell fresh fish in the front of the space during the day ... with room for 48 diners in the back along with a bar selling specialty cocktails. He also has plans to utilize the 400-square-foot garden in the back. (Forgot to mention what the place would be called: Sea on A.)

However, the full CB3 rejected the plans. So it was back to the CB3/SLA last night ... and Masco returned with more signatures of support... and he said he will expand his retail counter from 9 feet to 15 feet to show that he will be a retail operation, selling fresh fish from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Again, while people generally like the idea of a fishmonger in the neighborhood, the opposition remains... residents do not want another liquor license on this section of Avenue A. There are now six of nine storefronts on Avenue A between 10th Street and 11th Street that sell beer, wine or liquor. This would make seven. One longtime resident spoke about the importance of having retail diversity, not just bars and restaurants. The density of bars is creating an unhealthy balance in the neighborhood.

Michael Rosen, a founder of the East Village Community Coalition, was also on hand to speak out against another liquor license. He discussed how the saturation of bars changes the nature of the community.

There were petitions with signatures for and against the application. People spoke passionately for and against the application.

In the end, the committee rejected Masco's application after approving it two months earlier.

Previously on EV Grieve:
CB3/SLA highlights: Avenue A fishmonger approved; Michael Huynh's DOB rejected

Another month, another Superdive scratch; Plus, Avenue A bars give it another go tonight

Once again, Superdive was on the agenda for the CB3/SLA meeting... to transfer their license, etc. This makes four consecutive months that they've bowed out of the meeting ...

Meanwhile tonight... the bars who were rejected at last month's meeting on the northern part of Avenue A are all back on the docket...

Renewal with Complaint History
Forbidden City (Lo-Eng Inc), 212 Ave A (op)

Applications within Resolution Areas
Percy's (Steelbar 180 Inc), 210-212 Ave A (op) (Al Diwan)

Alterations/Transfers/Upgrades
MBM Lounge Inc, 212 Ave A (trans/op) (Forbidden City)

And another scratch...
Jay Cox Coal, 503-505 E 12th St (trans/op)... This is the former Mundial/Totem space...

I'm also not aware of any community outreach by these establishments since the last meeting...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Last night's CB3 recap: Residents 1, Bar Owners 0

Opposition to South Brooklyn Pizza's liquor license

South Brooklyn Pizza opened in April at 122 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place... they go before the SLA today for a liquor license... and as this sign shows on First Avenue, there's opposition...



I haven't tried this pizza yet... A reader passed along his or her experience:

A guy who works very hard selling a $4 slice in a neighborhood that buys $1 slices and $2 Falafel complains to another worker about how hard he works to sell the pizza and it isn't even his place. While the cheese is good (although a little too subtle), and the crust thin and crisp, the flavor is underwhelming. The first-class ingredients could use a little kick-up. I don't plan to spend $4 there again.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumors!: Will PJ Hanley's be opening a pizza shop on First Avenue?

A Stop Work Order for the P.J. Hanley's pizza parlor on First Avenue

Last night's CB3 recap: Residents 1, Bar Owners 0

Last Thursday, I wrote about the next CB3/SLA meeting... held last night.... For residents on the northern stretch of Avenue A who are tired of a neighborhood over-saturated with bars, there were reasons for for concern. On the original docket (I believe Forbidden City was a scratch):

Alterations/Transfers/Upgrades
-- El Camion (El Camion III Inc), 194 Ave A (trans/op) (The Raven)
-- Percy's (Steelbar 180 Inc), 210-212 Ave A (trans/op) (Al Diwan)
-- MBM Lounge Inc, 212 Ave A (trans/op) (Forbidden City)
-- Corp to be Formed, 503-505 E 12th St (trans/op)

Plus, the popular Westville at 11th Street is applying for a sidwalk cafe license...

Due to work commitments, I was unable to attend last night's meeting... The Lo-Down was there. As they report: "Westville Restaurant’s sidewalk cafe license was rejected on the grounds that Avenue A is already overburdened with bars and late night crowds."

Jill was there too. Here's what she had to say at Blah Blog Blah ...

Tonight's Community Board 3 SLA Committee meeting was possibly historic. The Upper Avenue A residents had such a strong turnout, and Dolores' pink signs made a dramatic impact when 24 people held them up to the astonishment of the room. Even the committee members were taking photos.

And!

But signs are one thing, getting something done is another. And victory was the word of the evening. The northern part of Avenue A has been under siege by an incredible influx of bars, and tonight three more were on the agenda, plus a sidewalk cafe license. The end result, which is often a testament to stamina more than brains, was that nobody got their license approvals tonight, and one of the three bars withdrew their application in the face of so much opposition.

Jill goes on to discuss her conflict on this issue... She loves bars and restaurants and going out. But. Enough is enough.

"There has come a moment in the past few years where the tipping point was reached, and the number of bars has outnumbered everything else. Instead of the diverse place I've lived for so long, our little streets have become a mecca of nightlife, a Temple Bar or Bourbon Street zone that is on the verge of being truly unlivable. 19 bars within 500 feet simply have to be enough to choose from."

Thanks to Jill for attending and quickly writing this up...

More on this as the day continues...Here is Eater's coverage.... and perhaps more from The Lo-Down... and maybe Fork in the Road?

For more on the nightlife discussion....

Avenue A, 9:13 p.m., May 8 (read the 68 comments) .... "Another noisy bar" slated for Avenue A; actually, make that several noisy bars, perhaps

"High-end English food" coming to Avenue A

I'm starting to take a closer look at some of Monday night's CB3/SLA liquor license items... So there's a transfer in the works at the Al Diwan space on 13th Street and Avenue A....



-- Percy's (Steelbar 180 Inc), 210-212 Ave A (trans/op) (Al Diwan)

I'm told that Percy's will serve “high-end English food” (!) ... and, allegedly, operate as a restaurant first and foremost, though they do plan to stay open until 3 or 4 a.m.

Previously on EV Grieve:
"Another noisy bar" slated for Avenue A; actually, make that several noisy bars, perhaps

There has been a lot of discussion on the post... be sure to read Jill's epic comment... that, in part, reads...

The bottom line is that a successful neighborhood, where ADULTS want to live, is about BALANCE. These busybodies would like to see DIVERSE businesses that cater to the community, not only to tourists. Places we would support on a regular basis, like butchers, fishmongers, grocery stores, shoemakers, tailors, laundromats, clothing stores, book shops and all types of small businesses that are disappearing.

Another nightmare bar for 505 E. 12th St.?

We've talked with several residents in the past about problems stemming from the former bars at 505 E. 12th St.... Mundial and before that, Totem... So a few people are anxious now that the following has appeared on Monday's CB3/SLA docket:

Corp to be Formed, 503-505 E. 12th St. (trans/op)

I was never in Mundial or Totem. Here's the Totem writeup from Shecky's to show you what you missed:

Totem: Join the ultra-hip Williamsburg and NYU kiddies as they jungle boogie ‘til they can’t boogie no more at this Alphaville hotspot. Prance without dancing (as it’s legally prohibited) around the totem poles, saunter over to the lounge area, or plant yourself in the outdoor garden. Featured drinks include the house special Totem Pole and the slightly less subtle Beaver Juice. Note: the menu literally warns patrons to mind the alcohol content of these drinks, thus reflecting a certain acknowledgement of attracting a young clientele. The Totem rocks throughout the week but occasional theme nights, like the cyclical Full Moon Party, can be a howl.

We don't know just yet what this "corp to be formed" is going to be bringing to the block. At this point, any new venture is bound to cause high anxiety for neighbors.

CB3/SLA highlights: Avenue A fishmonger approved; Michael Huynh's DOB rejected

Here are a few of the highlight's from last night's CB3/SLA meeting...we could only stay for part of the meeting...

• Michael Huynh and his rep were on hand to apply for a beer and wine license at DOB, his newly opened French-Vietnamese eatery at 115 St. Mark's Place.

At first, it looked as if DOB would get a quick rubber stamp. The six-foot bar at DOB has six seats, and is mainly used for people waiting for tables. And no one from the neighborhood was there to speak in opposition of the license. Plus, his eateries are well-known and receive a lot of positive media attention. Board member David McWater seemed ready and eager to approve the license, which is in a resolution area. "I don't want to have a Coke with a $25 Vietnamese meal," he said.



However, several Board members looked through the pile of signatures that Huynh brought, noting there were only 29 signatures from residents who lived on that block from Avenue A to First Avenue. Board chair Alexandra Militano scolded an increasingly incredulous-looking Huynh for not doing better community outreach, something that a well-known restaurateur should know.

She said something like, being so well-known can work against you. The Board voted 3-2 to deny the application. A heated discussion among the Board members followed, with McWater, speaking of Huynh's intentions and credentials, saying, "If this guy doesn't pass, no one is."

Huynh, looking slightly annoyed, quickly left the meeting.

• There was more heated discussions for Keith Masco's seafood market/restaurant/high-end cocktail bar at 171 Avenue A. Masco explained the concept...selling fresh fish in the front of the space during the day ... with room for 48 diners in the back along with a bar selling specialty cocktails. He also has plans to utilize the 400-square-foot garden in the back. He produced signatures from locals who endorsed his plans. Two other residents spoke in favor of it.

While people generally like the idea of a fishmonger in the neighborhood and have nothing against Masco, there was a lot of opposition to another liquor license on this section of Avenue A. The soon-to-open Diablo Royale at 167 Avenue A already has a full liquor license with a backyard operation. Seven people spoke out against granting a license to Masco in this resolution area ... and residents collected 80 signatures in opposition — from every building on the block. Masco said given the challenges of running a seafood operation -- high spoilage, low profit margins among restaurants types -- a liquor license is necessary to make any money.



After hearing all the opposition, McWater spoke. He called Masco, who has lived in the East Village for 30 years, an "honorable" and "respectable" person. McWater also said that he and Masco have been friends for 27 years, since he was a freshman at NYU. "He is one of the best guys that I've even known," McWater said.

Despite the substantial showing of community opposition, the Board voted 4-2 to approve the license. The Board stipulated that the garden space remain closed until Masco proves that he is a good neighbor, and promises to enclose the garden. In addition, the Board suggested that Masco expand the hours that he plans to sell fish, currently from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or so.

Several of the residents who were against granting the liquor license were outraged. For instance, the motion to approve the resolution was seconded by a Board member who had arrived late to the meeting and didn't hear any of the opposition. With this, it was pointed out several times that there are now six liquor licenses among nine storefronts on Avenue A between 10th Street and 11th Street.

• A karaoke joint at 90 Eldridge St. called Neway KTV was up first for a renewal with a complaint history... and what a complaint history! There were 37 311 calls against them in the last year... One resident described the place as "insane" while another Eldridge Street resident said, "It's a little madhouse." Only making matters worse: The owners, a man and a woman, couldn't even answer the most basic questions, like, when they opened. The Board denied the request for renewal.

• The owners of graffiti and homeless hotspot Caffe Buon Gusto on Avenue B at Fifth Street were no shows... aside from a beer and wine license within a resolution area, they were also on the docket for a sidewalk cafe.

But! Later, the architect representing the eatery for just for the sidewalk cafe arrived... though he couldn't very well make a pitch for a sidewalk cafe when they don't even have a liquor license yet. Plus, the Board said that they had instructed the owner to be present.

• The owners of Ballarò Caffè Prosciutteria on Second Avenue between Fourth Street and Fifth Street were seeking a sidewalk cafe for eight tables and 18 seats. A handful of residents spoke out against yet another sidewalk cafe on this stretch of Second Avenue.

The two owners, one of whom was wearing a Bluetooth the whole time, stood and listened to the ongoing quality-of-life issues caused by so many bars and cafes with outdoor spaces. One resident said that this would create "even more of a disaster" in the neighborhood while another pleaded, "Please have mercy on our community and deny this application." Still another resident said that it was not the responsibility of the neighborhood to make up for a restaurant's poor sales, which is one reason owners often opt for sidewalk cafes to help boost business. "We do not want to trade sleep for their wealth."

Despite the opposition, the Board approved the application, though limiting their hours in the process. The sidewalk cafe will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

• Ludlow Street's TPoutine was back again in hopes of serving beer and wine within a resolution area. The Board rejected them last month due to a lack of signatures from local neighbors and a history of noise complaints.

Even though the eatery reached out to neighbors in recent weeks, the noise complaints continue to come in, including two yesterday. All this seemed to surprise owner/GM Thierry Pepin. He said that he hasn't heard from anyone. A few Board members concurred: We're getting noise complaints and the place doesn't even serve booze yet.

Pepin was clearly exasperated, saying that he had done anything the Board has asked him to do. One Board member suggested that he remove the speaker by the front door. Someone in the audience wondered why a place that served the French Canadian National Dish, Poutine, needed so many speakers. The Board denied the application.

Eater's Thomas Garry was also at the meeting, and bravely stayed longer... His report is here. The Lo-Down has news on the Meatball Shop and Melted. I'll have more later.

CB3 says yes to fishmonger, rejects Michael Huynh

Only 8-9 hours left in tonight's CB3/SLA meeting... a few highlights:

-- Ludlow Street's TPoutine was rejected by the Board again for noise complaints from neighbors... and they're not even serving booze yet...

-- The Board rejected Michael Huynh's request to serve beer and wine at his newly opened DOB at 115 St. Mark's Place.



-- In the evening's most contentious battle (so far), the Board approved a full liquor license for Keith Masco's planned seafood eatery/bar/fishmonger at 171 Avenue A. With this, there are now six liquor licenses among nine storefronts on Avenue A between 10th Street and 11th Street. A whole lot more on this one tomorrow.

Saves the dates April 19-22 for the next CB3/SLA meeting!

Hey, the next CB3/SLA licensing committee meeting agenda schedule thing has been posted.... Should be a humdinger! (and it's only Monday night, April 19 — just looks like a long meeting...)

Where to begin?!

The Superdive transfer is back on the docket!

The Belgian Ale House is back to tackle the "crazy landlord" corner at Second Avenue and Third Street!

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef wants to serve beer to wash down that beef and Cheese Whiz!

Caffe Buon Gusto is back on the agenda for the 123rd time!

Something called Good Beer at 422 E. Ninth. St. (neighbors will love this one!) is applying for a liquor license!

The Meatball Shop (where males bond over meatballs!) on Stanton wants a sidewalk cafe!

And many mysteries...like: "Bklyn Local Draft LLC, 161 E Houston St (trans/op) (Oliva)... So Oliva is becoming something else???

So much more to come as we continue to read the agenda....

Spot wants liquor license; promises not to attract "inebriated college kids or troublesome drunkards"

Upscale dessert spot, uh, Spot at 13 St. Mark's Place opened last fall... and they're looking to obtain a liquor license "to add dessert wines and mixed drinks to compliment" their Spot desserts... (They're looking for a license within a resolution area...a block that already has like 22 liquor licenses...) So management put up letters around St. Mark's Place to reassure residents that they won't become "another bar"... you can click on the image below for a better read.

March sadness: Superdive transfer off tonight's CB3/SLA docket

Superdive was originally on tonight's docket for a full transfer of their liquor license.... no more, though, as a look at the updated rundown shows... Perhaps the Super brass is too busy planning that Vegas expansion?

Liquor license transfer in the works for Superdive

The Lo-Down has the early word on the CB3 March Liquor License Applications... and as they note:

Superdive on Avenue A (transfer of full liquor license – this will get the EV’ers going)

Indeed!

More on this later, of course!

Meanwhile, as Eater reported yesterday, Superdive's kegmaster has moved on...

Previously on EV Grieve:
CB3 didn't approve a liquor license for Superdive; "a nice neighborhood Internet café-bookstore" becomes a bar with keg service at tables

On Avenue B, Zaitzeff is reaching out to neighbors about its new liquor license

Not sure what else to say about this flier from the burger joint other than what's on the sign..



...and that it seems like a thoughtful thing to do. For instance, I can think of a few bar managers/owners who promised to meet with concerned neighbors after opening... Flashing back now to August...

One of the organizers said that Superdive has agreed to a meeting with neighbors, and that CB3 and 9th Precinct officials may attend as well. No date was mentioned.

Also on the liquor license docket: PJ Hanley's new pizza parlor coming to 122 First Ave.

Also on the CB3/SLA liquor license agenda on Jan. 11.... The incoming pizza parlor from the PJ Hanley's folks is looking for a full liquor license at 122 First Ave.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumors!: Will PJ Hanley's be opening a pizza shop on First Avenue?

A Stop Work Order for the P.J. Hanley's pizza parlor on First Avenue

Also on the liquor license docket: Sigmund Pretzel Shop

Sigmund's, the new gourmet pretzel shop at 29 Avenue B near Third Street, is applying for a license to serve wine ... which is fine (heh, rhymes)... but how about some beer for those pretzels? And has anyone been here yet? Just curious what this place is like...

Updated:

Food blogger (and EV Grieve reader) BaHa paid a visit to Sigmund's last month... She wrote about it at her site, With Leftovers. Briefly though, she said: "These babies are pretzels at their best."


Previously on EV Grieve:
Avenue B's pretzel logic

Time already for another CB3 liquor license meeting!

The agenda for the November meeting is now live... taking a quick look...



Hmm...Destination on Avenue A is up for a renewal/with compliant history.... And there are plans for the former Kelley & Ping space on the Bowery at Second. A two-level bar, eh? (and whatever happened to those reports that the heinous East Village Yacht Club was opening here?) And something called Vibrations at 116 Avenue C? That is (was?) the home of Lava Gina.