By Nathan Duke
10
Community Board 5 members and residents on the Middle Village-Rego Park border said they were concerned about potential noise at the proposed site for an unenclosed sidewalk café on Woodhaven Boulevard during a hearing last week.
Rob Callahan, a Woodhaven House spokesman, said the pub has plans to open the café on the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and Fleet Court in Rego Park near the border of Middle Village that would include 28 outdoor tables and stay open until 1 a.m. on weekends and midnight during the week.
At their monthly meeting July 9, CB 5 members said neighborhood residents were already plagued by noise coming from establishments, including the Woodhaven House, on the street.
“You are located very close to houses there and we already get complaints from the neighbors,” CB 5 member Lorraine Sciulli said.
Callahan said the café's employees would ensure that its patrons did not cause a disturbance.
“The waitresses will monitor the customers and we'll put up signs asking people to keep the noise down,” he said.
But some board members objected to the café's hours, contending that midnight was too late to keep it open during the week. And residents complained that the pub's valet service has caused parking problems in the neighborhood.
“I've been very dissatisfied with the noise coming from your establishment,” said resident Arthur Laske, who lives three blocks from the pub. “The neighbors are disgusted at what's going on. It's an ongoing problem.”
Also at the meeting, newly elected City Councilman Anthony Como (R-Middle Village) introduced his chief of staff, James McClelland, who previously worked in the same position for City Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills).
Como also told board members that School District 24 would not face cuts under the city's recently approved budget.
“We're bringing back almost $4 million to the district,” he said. “Every school will get thousands of dollars.”
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
