By Howard Koplowitz
The manager of The Blue Room, a Bellerose cafe/club that has been the source of complaints from the community, said he wants to work with the neighborhood and denied claims from civic leaders and the police that the establishment had been behind on rent.
A fight broke out near The Blue Room, at 248-13 Union Tnpk., in April, which led to a Bellerose teenager being charged with attempted murder and assault, with the victim suffering extensive brain damage.
The establishment has been criticized by civic leaders and neighbors since the incident for what they said were rowdy customers outside the club.
At a 105th Precinct Community Council meeting in June, Bellerose civic leaders and an officer from the precinct said The Blue Room had been behind on rent.
The establishment could not be reached for comment at the time, but Blue Room manager Carlos Tovar, whose father owns the club, said the civic and police claims were not true.
Tovar said The Blue Room “had an issue with the landlord but it was resolved,” denying allegations that the club was closed.
“I can’t let other people’s opinions bother me,” he said.
Tovar said he wants to work with the community and offered to host charity events for free.
“I have a big place,” he said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
