March 19, 2014 By Christian Murray
Several restaurants are likely to open in Hunters Point in coming months—with five currently seeking liquor licenses.
Next week, the public will hear from the owners of those establishments at a hearing put on by Community Board 2 in Hunters Point (see details below). Residents will also be given a chance to have their say on whether they think such licenses should be granted.
The following businesses/establishments will be up for review.
1) Mu Ramen, 12-09 Jackson Avenue (noodles)
2) Flea Concessions, 5-25 46th Avenue (LIC Flea)
3) LIC Food & Spirits, 11-18 46th Road (unknown)
4) David Shifteh, 10-17 Jackson Avenue (Mediterranean )
5) Roc Lu, 47-23 Vernon Blvd (Pizzeria)
6) Beans, Grapes and Leaves, 50-01 2nd Street (Unknown)
Liquor licenses have not been easy to get in Hunters Point in recent years—and there have been several pitched battles between residents and business owners in the past decade particularly in the Vernon Blvd area.
“Many people think there are too many liquor licenses [in Hunters Point] and don’t want any more,” said Pat O’Brien, who is in charge of liquor licenses for Community Board 2. “Others like what the restaurants bring to a community,” he said. “That is why we have the hearing.”
Nevertheless, many businesses have been forced to accept the loss of backyard space or have had to limit their business hours in order to get such a license. The pizzeria at 47-23 Vernon Blvd, which seeks a wine & beer license, plans on using its backyard space.
The red-hot debate about liquor licenses surfaced about a decade ago and ultimately led to a popular bar/restaurant (the now defunct Lounge 47, at 47-10 Vernon Blvd) being denied the use of its backyard space, following a litany of noise complaints.
Since then, businesses such as Woodbines (which now occupies the former Lounge 47 location), Alobar and Blend have made an agreement with Community Board 2 not to use their backyard space in order to get a license. Some bars/restaurants have also agreed to cut back their hours.
Restaurants seek the support of Community Board 2 in their quest to get a liquor license, since it has significant influence with the State Liquor Authority, which has the final say.
Revised March 19, 2014 Community Board 2 Public Hearing Agenda Copy by sunnysidepost
