NIMBYs

The Box Wins Over CB3; Welsh Bed and Breakfast Coming to LES

After what has been a very long, drawn-out drama, the Box, last night, was recommended for a liquor-license renewal by Community Board 3’s licensing committee. Only one resident showed up to oppose Randy Weiner and Simon Hammerstein, while the building’s landlord (as well as the landlord of the Freemans building) expressed their support. The approval’s stipulations call for the Box to wash down the sidewalks every day that it’s open, come up with taxi-cab traffic regulations, and notify police and residents of red-carpet events. Hammerstein noted that, “unfortunately,” they hadn’t had red-carpeted events since March 2007.

• Frank Prisinzano was recommended to receive a renewal of Supper’s sidewalk-café license, after addressing complaints from residents about customers blocking the sidewalk and standing around with drinks (Prisinzano explained they were just coming from the bar to check with the host if their table was ready). Prisinzano agreed to barricade the sidewalk café and regulate his customers.

• The board also recommended a full liquor license to a new late-night restaurant going into what was Swim, at 146 Orchard Street, despite concern that it would be acting as a bar. The owner promised the focus would be on continental food when the venue opens on March 1.

• One of the owners of O.G. is converting the space into Sixth Street Kitchen, a traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot, with an emphasis on takeout. He was approved for a beer and wine license and is scheduled to open December 1.

• And what was once Summers Bar, at 49 Clinton Street, is now going to be a restaurant with British fare. The owner — a first-time restaurateur — wouldn’t reveal a name or chef, but did say that he had been consulting with an Iron Chef who was also the executive chef for the Sydney Yacht Club. He was given CB3’s blessing for a full liquor license, provided he didn’t host D.J.’s more than once a month. The restaurant is set to open by late November.

• Lastly, keep your eyes peeled for a new spot, UO, going into 151 Rivington. The chef, John Keller of Bruno Jamais, and his partner were recommended for a restaurant wine license — their small “denlike” joint will open in the coming months with a seasonal, “sushi-inspired” menu.

• Those that weren’t as lucky were the owners of Klimat, who are attempting to transform into Sushi Park with a full liquor license. Building residents were upset by noise as well as smoke filtering into their apartments. One man, an emphysema victim, broke down crying when he explained that he can’t even open his window. He also claimed, strangely, that people go into Klimat to have sex.

• The guys from Spice had the toughest time of all. Though they were initially seeking full liquor for their new 77 East 10th Street location, they couldn’t even get residents to comply to a beer and wine license with a 10:45 p.m. closing time. Among the protesters who came equipped with a petition and a poster-size map of other bars in the area, one man said, “I grew up in bars, and when you left, you were quiet, only whispering in someone’s ear because you wanted to take them home and get laid.” You hear that, kids?

• Finally, a bed-and-breakfast-like place to be called Ludlow Inn on 144 Division Street was delayed until next month. The venue, which will have three rooms (for about $300 a night), a restaurant with a Welsh menu, and a lounge, was seeking a full liquor license. If the British first-time owner succeeds in working things out with the neighbors when he meets with them this month, expect a tearoom as well as dishes like leeks and artichoke dip.

All recommendations will be heard at CB3’s full board meeting on October 28.

The Box Wins Over CB3; Welsh Bed and Breakfast Coming to LES