BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES
MARCH 24, 2014 Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
PRESENT:
Z. ABRAMS E. ANDERSON P. BLAKE
E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ J. FRIEDMAN G. KELLY
S. LONIAL S. MILLER T. MISKEL
R. MYERS L. PINN J. PORCELLI
M. RACIOPPO T. REEVES G. REILLY
M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN B. STOLTZ
R. UNDERWOOD
EXCUSED:
M. SCOTT
GUESTS:
M. COOLEY – REP. FOR HON. DANIEL SQUADRON, STATE SENATOR
J. LEVEY K. DEROSSI A. SMITH
G. MATERS M. DASTIVA V. BARTASH
L. RICCI B. ANDERSON T. LEBERMAN
L. SCHELL M. SIEMASJOE
***MINUTES**
Presentation and discussion with a representative for the Department of Sanitation on the City’s expansion of the organic waste collection program which will be affecting apportion of the BK6 district (generally bounded by Union Street-Prospect Park West-15th Street and the Gowanus Canal) in May 2014.
- Committee member asked if the program could include restaurants? With the Sanitation Formatted: Bulleted + Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0" + representative emphasizing the program is voluntary. Indent at: 0.25" - Members noted concern about where the materials end up. The department representative then explained that there was a bid between various facilities that are capable of handling this process. The representative also noted that the future of the program ultimately rests with the City Council. - Committee member asked if the program would expand. To which the representative responded that it would if demand increases. - The representative noted that she would be available to be contacted with further questions.
Presentation and review of New York State Senate Bill S205-2013 (companion to A2064- 2013) by a representative for State Senator Daniel Squadron (sponsor), an act to amend the alcoholic beverage control law, in relation to making the provisions governing the various
on-premises liquor licenses consistent with respect to public interest factors that may be considered by the state liquor authority when evaluating the merits of a license application.
Member pointed out the similarities of a bill proposed by Assembly Member Joan Millman a few years ago. Member asked if this bill would change any matters of enforcement. Senator Squadron’s representative responded that there would be no changes to the enforcement.
Glenn Kelly made the motion to approve and Steve Miller seconded.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Presentation and review of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Sun Pok Pok at 127 Columbia Street (between Kane/Irving Streets).
Attorney for Pok Pok explained the need for the additional license at 127 Columbia Street.
Members asked questions about why they needed this license if they already have one. They explained that the new place was for a catering space. Glenn Kelly made motion to approve. Sayar Lonial seconded motion.
Members had additional questions about backyard space and noise regulations. Member of NYPD explained rules of outside music. Member asked if the space in question was owned by Greg O’Connell? Lawyer answered that it is an O’Connell property.
Joe PorcellI added friendly amendment that there would be no amplified music in backyard.
VOTE: 16…..YEAS 2…..NAYS 1…..ABSTENTATION
MOTION APPROVED
Presentation and review a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Bruklay Inc. at 440 Bergen Street (southeast corner of 5th Avenue).
Owner explained that there are changes to the corporation and there is new ownership involved. A member of the Committee highlighted that there have been six 311 complaints since August due to noise. Joe Porcelli made motion to approve the proposal with the conditional amendment that the certificate of notice is given to the neighbors. Since the notice had not been given to neighbors the Chairman, Gary Reilly called to question the tabling of the proposal. Regina Meyers seconded the motion.
VOTE: Tabling passed unanimously.
Presentation and review of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Black Sheep Pub at 428 Bergen Street (between 4th/5th Avenues).
Representative for Black Sheep explained new ownership/new corporation. Committee members asked question about French doors, music, and how late food is available.
Rep answered that French Doors are closed by 10 PM. Food is available until 11pm - No outdoor service. Steve Miller made motion to approve and Jeremy Friedman seconded motion.
VOTE: 16…..YEAS 0…..NAYS 2…..ABSTENTIONS
MOTION APPROVED
Presentation and review of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 376 Court Street (between President/Carroll Streets).
Owner introduced himself explaining that he had come before the committee months before for a restaurant that he decided not to open and that he is currently the owner of Bergen Hill, which is also on Court Street. Committee Members asked question about French doors, surrounding businesses. Owner said he would comply with standard rules of the board. Jeremy Friedman made motion. Robert Underwood seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Presentation and review of an alteration to an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of May Elizabeth LLC at 370 5th Avenue (between 5th/6th Streets).
Lawyer came up and explained that the restaurant wanted to be able to offer a full liquor license as opposed to their current beer & wine license. Committee member made a comment that the restaurant “needed” this license because it would make brunch better. Members asked about backyard space and live music. To which the restaurant’s lawyer responded that there would not be music or backyard space. Matthew Silverman made to approve and Steve Miller seconded.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Presentation and review of an alteration to an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Loki Lounge at 304 5th Avenue (between 2nd/3rd Streets).
Owner explained that he had to make changes due to his rent being raised and the space of his bar changing. Members asked a few questions about how the changes would affect the entrance. Owner explained that it was now on Second Street as opposed to 5th Avenue. Joe Porcelli made a motion to approve and Sayar Lonial seconded.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Presentation and review of the renewal of an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Huitres NYC Inc. dba Buschenschank at 320 Court Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets).
A representative from the restaurant that referred to herself as “New Management” said she was unprepared for the meeting and that she did not have any of the materials that the committee requires of its applicants. While Bushenchank’s rep went to call the restaurant Glenn Kelly passed out notice of a community meeting. Sayar Lonial made a motion to disapprove the applicant due to prior bad experiences that indicated that the goal of the applicant was to have the motion be tabled until next month which would be after the State Liquor Authority would have approved the license renewal. Sayar then withdrew the motion to allow members of the community to speak. Members of the community cited the loud noise and disrespect to those living in the surrounding area. Jeremy Freidman cited the extensive numbers of 311 complaints with regards to noise that disregard such regulations. Mark Shames drafted a strong worded motion to disapprove the license application. The motion was seconded by Tom Miskel.
MOTION TO DISAPPROVE: PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Joe Porcelli asked the chair to allow the representative to contact the restaurant to see if they could get any of the information the committee had requested.
Presentation and review of the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of 283 Smith Street Food Corp. dba Zaytoons at 283 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets) to permit 5 tables and 18 seats.
MOTION TABLED
Presentation and review of the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Café Steinhof Inc. dba Café Steinhof at 422 7th Avenue (between 13th/14th Streets) to permit 8 tables and 15 seats.
After a representative who said he was architect discussed the layout of the sidewalk café a
motion was made by Tom Miskel to approve. Bette Stoltz seconded.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Glen Kelly made the motion to approve the minutes of the February 24th meeting. Seconded by Mark Shames.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes were submitted by Michael Racioppo.