June 22, 2017 By Christian Murray
The owners of a well-known Sunnyside sports bar got the approval of Community Board 2 last night to add a number of sidewalk seats in front of their establishment subject to a number of restrictions.
Bar 43, located at 43-06 43rd Street, went before Community Board 2’s Land Use committee last night requesting to be able to put 16 tables and 32 seats in front of the building. The bar, which currently has 10 tables and 20 seats out front, sought the addition since the bar expanded more than a year ago when it took over the space next door.
The board was initially hesitant to allow the bar to add the seats after hearing complaints from William McCarthy, who lives in an apartment building across the street, who argued that the bar was noisy. McCarthy, who said he represented a number of residents, claimed that when the bar has large sporting events on weekends some of its patrons get out of control. He claimed some of the bar’s customers congregated out front late at night, disturbing nearby apartment dwellers.
Nick Murphy, a co-owner of the establishment, said that the bar has been in operation for nine years and that noise has not been a significant problem over those years. He said the bar closes its doors for the big events—such UFC and boxing—and when there are late games people may cheer but it is not for an extended period of time.
The board, as a condition of approving the expansion, imposed several restrictions. The board said that the bar must close its outdoor seating area at 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Furthermore, it is required to close all its doors/windows at 10pm – to reduce sound– even while the outdoor seating area is in operation.
The board also required the bar to sit down with McCarthy and the residents and work out a plan to address any concerns.
