The silence was short lived. Police responded within 48 hours, telling Garrett he could be arrested for “criminal eavesdropping.” It didn’t prove to be a very effective tactic, either.
But it does illustrate the level of frustration residents can reach when trying to fight seemingly hopeless battles against development too close to home.
Tim Doocey lives upstairs from the Garretts and is worried they are losing their battle against “reckless development” in the neighborhood.
“One of the great things about this neighborhood is that at night, it was like—crickets.” The latest battle is against a proposed restaurant/bar located immediately adjacent to the north of Garrett’s property on Vernon Boulevard.
In addition to the noise, drunken revelers vomiting in the streets and the smoke from the outdoor patios, residents also complain that other types of establishments are needed. Doocey reports having to walk six blocks to the closest laundromat and others complained that a reliable grocery store remains absent as bars and restaurants keep moving in.
A State Liquor Authority hearing scheduled for Aug. 8, on whether to grant an on premise liquor license to the new restaurant—a Latin fusion place called Blend—was canceled at the last minute, but rescheduled for Sept. 19.
“We feel that granting this liquor license is a tipping point for the future of Vernon Boulevard being full of bars and that’s what worries us most,” said Garrett, who was also frustrated with the last minute cancelation of the hearing after they had rallied community support.
Joe Conley, chairman of Community Board 2, indicated that rescheduling the meeting was in the neighborhood’s best interest, allowing them time to galvanize support and get everyone the facts. “Our concern was we wanted to make sure the community would be heard,” Conley said.
He is sympathetic to the residents of Vernon Boulevard and the larger issue for the growing neighborhood.
“We are concerned about the density of bar restaurants in the area ... I have been long on record to say we do not want Vernon Boulevard to turn into another Bell Boulevard,” referring to the Bayside strip of bars and restaurants that has seen its share of residential complaints.
The State Liquor Authority hearing on Blend will address whether the “Padavan Law” should apply in this case. The law prevents a bar or restaurant from getting an on premise liquor license if it is within 500 feet of three or more similar establishments, unless the authority can be convinced that the establishment serves a “public interest.”
The new restaurant would be within 500 feet of five other establishments, but proving a public interest could be as simple as pointing out that the neighborhood doesn’t have the kind of restaurant Blend proposes to be. Even if residents succeed in getting a liquor license denied, they won’t necessarily stop the restaurant from opening.
There may be hope yet, however. Conley added that they are investigating the proprietors’ application, which may have filed the wrong application for its renovation of the space. Such a misstep could get the Buildings Department involved or give the community board leverage with the State Liquor Authority. Do residents have a chance at keeping the new spot out? “Yes,” said Conley, “We’ve done it before.”
A pubic hearing is planned for Sept. 13 at the Casino Restaurant, 47 18 Vernon Blvd. at 7 p.m. where the proprietors of Blend will offer details of their plans. On Sept. 19, the community board will give its recommendation to the State Liquor Authority.
Jenny Iapoce, 85, has lived on Vernon Boulevard for 50 years. Her apartment is just above the proposed restaurant. She isn’t optimistic that neighbors will succeed in stopping it. “We’ll just put up a good fight,” she said.
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