Alobar’s closed rear yard space
May 6, 2014 By Christian Murray
They simply want peace and quiet.
Several residents who live next to Vernon Blvd bars and restaurants started circulating an online petition calling on the community board and elected officials to protect them from noise. The petition – titled “Not in my Backyard” — has generated about 50 signatures.
The petition was formed in response to a growing group of disgruntled residents who are calling on the community board and elected officials to allow bars/restaurants on Vernon Blvd to use their rear yard spaces —- even on a limited basis. The advocates for rear yard use started their petition about 10 days ago and have generated about 600 signatures.
Anna Finn, who lives next to Alobar, started her dueling petition on Thursday that calls for the rear yards to remain closed.
The petition reads in part: “We support the change [to Long Island City] and want to see businesses flourish, but not at the expense of disturbing the peace and quiet that every person deserves and should have after a hectic work day.”
Finn said she is not opposed to outdoor seating and that there are plenty of options in the neighborhood for residents. These options include: Bella via, Tourensol, Manetta’s, Shi, Skinny Cantina, Riverview and LIC Bar.
Finn said that if the rear yards are open she will essentially be dining al fresco 7 days a week with about 20 people. The customers get to go home afterward their drink and meal, she said, but the neighboring residents have to wait until closing for the party to be over.
Meanwhile, Louis Diliulio, who lives on Vernon Blvd and signed the “Not in my Backyard” petition, said he is very concerned that the community board might change its view.
“I have never seen it be so tense,” Diliulio said. “I just hope they listen to the people who live next door to the noise.”
