• Home /
  • Food /
  • Proposed Nightspot at 106 Rivington a Neighborhood Flashpoint

Proposed Nightspot at 106 Rivington a Neighborhood Flashpoint

Posted on: September 24th, 2012 by

In the two weeks since an unsuccessful appearance before Community Board 3, the proposed Latin bistro-lounge at 106 Rivington Street has snowballed to become something of a flashpoint issue. Principals behind the unnamed venture, who also run the local Stop 1 Deli and E&S Wholesome Foods chains, had hoped to secure liquor privileges, but instead withdrew to reappear next month.

Here were some of the concerns raised at the meeting:

  1. Rat and horsefly infestation.
  2. Neglect of space with regard to demolition.
  3. Neighbor’s dog infected with deadly illness due to excessive rat exposure.
  4. Scale of night life operation even though it is within the boundaries of a resolution area.
  5. CB3 board members questioned validity of some of the petition signatures in support of 106 Rivington space.
  6. Community was made aware that a Rivington Block Association had held a “closed doors” meeting to approve the opening of 106 Rivington without advertising this meeting ahead of time to the community at large.

Nevertheless, the chatter amongst our readers continues (upwards of fifty comments already). We’re fielding tons of reader mail with arguments both for and against having another nightspot here on Rivington Street. In a resolution area, no less, that already boasts seven establishments on the tiny spit of land between Essex and Ludlow. At the crux of the argument is over-saturation and whether being “from the neighborhood” should afford the right to open a “legit restaurant.” Those in favor site the track record of these guys and their previous community involvement; those against are tired of seeing the neverending influx of nightlife at their doorstep, and cite the 500′ rule.

Now’s your time to sound off. What are your feelings on this issue?

  • Jared S

    As a long time resident of the Lower east side and personally knowing these individuals who want to open this RESTAURANT not Lounge like it is unfairly being portrayed here. I SUPPORT them and say give them a chance! It is only right since they have proven to be Local hardworking and honest businessman. Until they prove otherwise they can count on me and my family support. Good luck guys

    • Matt

      “since they have proven to be Local hardworking and honest businessman”

      Care to support that? If you’ve been following this trainwreck, then it should be obvious that they not only have not proven to be “hardworking and honest,” but there’s substantial evidence to the contrary.

      First of all, they began demolition in their establishment before securing enough financing to finish reconstruction. Once the flooring was demolished, construction ceased. As a result, rats that had previously been underground surfaced. People aren’t complaining about rats in general – everyone knows rats are here, but these people caused an influx that had significant negative effects on both local businesses and local residents. (Including the woman who incurred thousands of dollars in vet bills after her dog came into contact with the rats that emerged as a result of this). It seems to me, honest hardworkers would’ve ensured the safety that emanated from their actions prior to commencement of those actions.

      Further, on the honesty point, the owners in question have claimed (1) that they were in business with certain celebrity chefs, first as a co-owner, then (when that turned out to be inaccurate to be polite and a lie to be impolite) as a consultant (which also turned out to be false), and (2) that they’d gathered signatures of support from members of the community, which were not only shown to be in all likelihood fraudulent, originating from a closed door meeting of a group established by these people with the sole intent of backing this establishment under the guise of a ‘community association,’ which turned out to be a community association in name only, and inclusive of NO members of the community.

      “Until they prove otherwise they can count on me and my family support.”
      They’ve proven otherwise. You and your family’s support is misguided at best, and dangerous at worst.

      • The Real L.E.S.

        Let me start by saying that you sound like you have proof of everything you just stated. The funny part is that if anyone was to to read your post they would laugh. First…. I think that this fake organization of LES Dwellers justwoke up Sleeping Giant. Let me read off a stat: Latinos were 38% in 1990 in the LES. Today we are only 25%… But this fight… Is about to become: US vs THEM. You want to know who them is? People who came from somewhere else when we were here dealing with crackheads and murders every other day. So keep pushing the sleeping giant of the L.E.S…..

  • Luis G

    This new development is a great opportunity to support positive social change and complete community involvement. It’s a great way to foster and expand Hispanic Business within the realm of NYC’s establishments.

  • Maria

    Since when do Community boards tell block associations how to conduct their meetings? Sounds to me like they are reaching to say the least. I been to counteless CB meetings and not once I have i ever heard the CB question a block association. All they have ever done is use these block associations to their advantage when they want to prevent a new project from popping up in the hood and now that they approve something that CB 3 isn’t in approval of they want to question their integrity and operational structure. Oh I forgot to mention that all parties are Hispanic man. I guess that must be their sin. Racism is still alive and well I see…..Smh

    • Matt

      “Racism is still alive and well I see”

      Ahh, racism, the calling card of the desperate, grasping at straws. There are plenty, (read: PLENTY) of ethnically diverse establishments in and around the LES. These people aren’t facing opposition because of their race, their facing opposition because they are, at best, sketchy businessmen. At worst, possibly criminal in their negligent business practices.

      • StedyRuckus

        For one who asks for verification from every poster on here, your unfounded and libelous claim of illegal business practice is the one that needs to be backed up with some facts. It is very obvious your reactions are rooted in emotions, and that’s great that you care so much about your neighborhood, but you really do need to educate yourself. For instance demolishing a floor does not in of itself unleash thousands of rats on to the street – that would make you wonder how anyone would even venture into the basement to begin with, and brings to mind catacombs in an Indiana Jones movie. Now we all know that the LES is rat city, but we have here is a vacant building that makes cozy – but temporary – digs for the already existent rat population.If rats are such a concern for you you would think you would pleased that an establishment that has to meet certain health department criteria that would eliminate vermin infestation would please you. As for the poor person who’s dog became ill, as a dog owner I feel for that immensely – but in all honesty that can happen on any corner in the neighborhood. As much as we all love the gardens of the LES they are all huge rats nests at night. Thats not to say that we should eliminate the gardens – far from it – but to illustrate that even benign spaces that are universally loved harbor these same dangers you cite.

    • LES neighbor

      You’re an idiot.

  • Ernesto

    Born and raised in this community
    I’ve been blessed to see it has changed for the better. I personally have had
    the privilege to meet several business owners around this community even though
    they are very culturally diverse’, they all have the same goal in mind, to make
    a better Lower East Side for all of us. I did my research about this upcoming Latin
    bistro and the Business man behind it. I
    think it’s great a Latin Bistro is making its way here, keeps our community
    very diverse. As I walk around the neighborhood
    I feel like I’m seeing the exact same thing, I’m glad someone has finally
    taken the initiative to a make change. The
    business man behind it care about our community, they also grow up here and
    have very strong ties to the community as well e.g. Not too long ago I saw a group
    for young boys in route to the baseball field and noticed they were sponsored
    by “E&S Wholesome Foods and Stop 1 Deli, Just goes to show the business men
    behind this bistro are not just in it for the financial gain but give back to
    the community they grew up in as well. Thumbs up and you have my full support!!!..

    • Matt

      “I did my research about this upcoming Latin bistro and the Business man behind it.”

      Care to share your research with the rest of us?

      “The business man behind it care about our community, they also grow up here and have very strong ties to the community as well”

      I’m willing to go out on a limb and say you have absolutely no verification of this, but if you do, you should certainly share it. And perhaps with something more substantial than anecdotal evidence of little league support.

      • Here to inform.

        Matt…before you jump on the post, I think you should ask yourself one question….. If I believe these guys are not legit.. how do I find out. Very Easy!!!! GO TO E&S or STOP1 and ask for the owner. When he comes out… ask him to give you some info on the Bistro. Then you will really see what he’s building. Please don’t jump to conclusions.

      • StedyRuckus

        Matt you sound like one of the insane birthers foaming at the mouth for Obama’s birth certificate. You want verification that these guys are from the neighborhood? Walk down any block in the lower and go into any of the local businesses owned and operated by native loisaida’s. They will tell you. Stop by one of the local schools and ask the parents picking up their kids. They will tell you. These guys have life long ties to the neighborhood. They grew up here, and as adults they have chosen to remain here, build their livelihood here and have invested here. Not sure where you grew up, but any NYC native from any neighborhood in any borough will tell you that a local business that supports a local little league team is most definitely a business that cares about its community.

      • Mr. Reply to all (matt)

        You obviously have a lot to say about everyone’s right to give an opinion about this subject. Is not in your hands to question what everyone writes on this blog. Are you a member of cb3 or something? Or are you the owner of this blog? Let everybody write whatever they have to say this is what this blog is for. Let people have their own judgement and stop acting like you have facts and you know what you are talking about. What have YOU done for this community? Show us some proof!! Since you care so deeply about the community i hope you have made a lot of donations and contributions.

  • Maricruz C.

    This article is frustrating to read for several reasons. Let me start by saying that this establishment has not yet opened and people are already jumping in to conclusions and bad mouthing the place. I was not aware that establishing a Latin bistro in LES was a problem . That small comment screams RACISM!!! I wonder if the community board classifies blacks, Whites, Asians and other ethnicity business owners and their establishments as a “flash point issue” before they opened up their shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs ? The second issue that caught my eye was the part where the article mentions rat infestation .. Ok seriously NYC is full of Rats there are more rats in this city than it’s 8.2 million residents, they should try to look for another excuse or try to look for a solution to stop all the rat infestation in our city. My third issue here is that I guess people are not aware that LES is full of bars, restaurant and clubs y is one more place such a big problem ? People should seriously consider doing some research before moving in to LES. If your looking for a nice quiet place to call home you should know Les is fun city I like to call it ! This town is so live and it never sleeps. Can we just give theses guys a chance to show us what this place has to offer and stop being so judge mental ?

    • Matt

      “people are already jumping in to conclusions and bad mouthing the place”

      People are only reacting to the owners’ actions. Any badmouthing has been reactions to what so far has been irresponsible, dangerous, dishonest and hazardous business practices.

      “That small comment screams RACISM!!!”
      Oh stop it. Don’t be ridiculous. You want to make arguments in support of these ‘business owners,’ then do it on the merits, not on nonsense. There are plenty of ethnic restaurants of all sorts, as well as ethnically diverse business owners in this neighborhood. These particular people seem to be catching hell because of their attitudes and business practices. In other words, frankly, they seem to be assholes. Racism is a red herring used to get attention. It isn’t applicable in this situation.

      “Ok seriously NYC is full of Rats there are more rats in this city than it’s 8.2 million residents, they should try to look for another excuse or try to look for a solution to stop all the rat infestation in our city.”
      And the problem increased exponentially as a result of an infestation specifically brought on but the substandard demolition work these guys did. What you’re saying makes no sense at all. It’d be like saying that if these business owners murdered someone, that’d be okay, because there’s a lot of crime in New York. One thing has nothing to do with the other. Sure, there are rats here, that doesn’t mean you should take a sledge hammer to your basement floor and literally let thousands more rats into the streets.

      “Can we just give theses guys a chance to show us what this place has to offer and stop being so judge mental ?”

      They’ve been showing us what they have to offer. That’s why people have made their judgments. A loud, drunk and young potential clientele DOES NOT justify irresponsible and hazardous business practices.

    • Family Man

      The LES wasn’t always full of bars, clubs and restaurants the way it is now, those who’ve grown up here know that. Also, no one is biased to this particular change with hopes to move in provided this business doesn’t open… People who are against it live here and have been living here for years. The issue is about the drastic change to a neighborhood and the difficulties people living here have sleeping at night due to loud music and loud crowds, difficulties people living in the neighborhood have leaving their front door in the morning (with or without kids) and being welcomed by sidewalks full of garbage, rats, barf and piss from the night before. This has nothing to do with being anti “Latin bistro”, it is about being anti “open until 4am, club with loud music.”

  • Cedric

    I am originally from this neighborhood (Stanton st) and have lived here all of my 30 years of existence. I have eaten and shopped at both E&S and Stop 1 stores. They have been a great asset to our community, with their healthy delivery in products, cleanliness of their establishments and of course yummy food that is make at the store. If there is a restaurant that should go up in our area it should be from one of our own, that knows the community and has experience in giving great customer service, and knows the in’s and outs of the neighborhood because him/her have lived here forever. If its not them, then who? it will be given to someone else sooner or later. I would love to see this store front that has been vacant since I can remember to become something beautiful and another good place to eat and have a drink in the lower east side with some friends. Judging on their other locations I can see It’s going to be done with class and respect to the LES. As a resident in this community I am all for it. Lets help give one of our own this great opportunity, and let them live out their dreams where they probably walked this same street as a child dreaming of this opportunity to open a restaurant in that same location.

  • JoeFromTheBlock

    Why don’t we unite what’s all this bickering about. Let’s wait until this business opens because we are acting like little children. Let’s all unite because nothing good comes out of all this bickering. Our own mayor is in support of small businesses, creating employment and new tax revenues for all of New York City. This is my opinion and I’m a long time resident of the LES.

  • LES neighbor

    NOOOTHIIIIIING TOOOO DOOO WITH RAAACE. Damn people. These are probably the best guys in the neighborhood but this block DOES NOT NEED ANOTHER BAR/RESTAURANT/DJ/DOORMAN operation. I can hardly walk down that street at night without getting shoved and having to walk in the street. It’s not good. I’ve seen poor parents have to divert their strollers onto the street b/c numbskulls on their iphones can’t be bothered to move. Just open it someplace else. If you’re looking to give the “locals” a nice place to eat, build it where locals actually go. Why build it where all the frat kids go? How about E. Houston? Stanton anyone? JUST NOT ON RIVINGTON!! This block is WAY past capacity. Thank you.

  • enough already

    If they TRULY and honestly want to open a restaurant, why do they need doorman, a 4am license, DJ Booth(s), etc? Hmmm…..something stinks.

    • lovelyLES

      YOUR BREATH!!!! STOP TALKING!!!! somebody give this guy a gum!!!phewww…..

  • D.Boyd

    This is not about RACE. This is not about RATS. This is about a 1/3 of block that is over run and overcrowded from bars, clubs, and nightlife-driven restaurants. This is about an applicant applying in a Resolution Zone where the 500 ft rule applies. Do not deflect from the facts by insinuating racism is involved. This has nothing to do with anything other the fact that area West of Essex and North of Delancey has become unlivable for the residents. I would welcome and support a delicious, affordable restaurant with a kitchen that closes at 12pm, no djs, no bouncers, no lounge,no tvs, no liquor but food paired with good beer and wine, no open windows (should be noted anyone who cared about food and culture would not want to endure the raucous drunk transient crowd outside). This was never about race, the character of the applicants, rats, the applicants contribution to the community, the fact they were born here, the success of their other businesses. It was and is about a restaurant applying in a Resolution Zone for full liquor license designed around, 200 occupancy lounge, dj booths, jumbo tv screens, 4am close time Tues – Sat, and 2 bouncers at the door Wed – Sat. There are only 2 positions to take – you feel the restaurant proposed will not effect quality of life but enhance the lives of those that live in the impacted area or you feel it will be a detriment to those who live in the impacted area.

    • LOVELYLES

      So D.Boyd how did that meeting turn out on sept.26 with your” les dwellers” i here through the great vines,not so well? Keep fighting the great fight LMAO!!!!

    • The Real L.E.S.

      Will not effect quality of life but enhance the lives of those that live in the impacted area and the whole neighborhood….. Good enough for you?
      I’m sure it’s not… You ask, but I’m sure you would like to hear what suits your agenda. There is approximately 172,000 residents in CB3. One person alone does not majority make.
      So work with the owners. I’m sure they will be more than happy to work with you.

      • http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav

        If you or anyone else reading this happen to know the owners, can you ask them to email us at tipline@boweryboogie.com? Thanks

        • Lovelyles

          @davidgustav:disqus you could go to 1 of there stores in the neighborhood they own an ask for them there always around.hope that helps

          • http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav

            Thanks! We’ve actually gotten in touch with them already and are looking forward to being able to present more information soon.

  • Lola221

    Good luck guys!!

  • substance, please

    Race? So let me understand this…a group of neighbors who live in an ethnically diverse neighborhood, have made their homes here, raise their children here, are in fact likely of various ethnicities themselves, are racist because they object to a liquor serving business being open to 4am? seriously…defend the business on whatever you perceive its merits to be — the wonders of the proposed menu, the benefits of another restaurant choice, the option of a new place to drink in the wee hours of the night — defend it all you want on its perceived merits (as some people have done) — but to call out racism — its absurd, laughable, and frankly, makes one seriously question the underlying merits of the business. it makes you look absurdly weak. its an intimidation tactic. when the proponents of this business can’t event defend it without resorting to a fictionalized, unsubstantiated accusation of race, then the opponents to the business’ footing, and substance, are increasingly strong. in short, get over it — this isn’t about race, its about drinking, drunkenness and 4am noise on a street/block already oversaturated with drinking, drunkenness and 4am noise. if you disagree and you truly believe race is at play — substantiate your accusations with something other than circumstantial “evidence” that the owners are latino therefore any opposition must be racism. thats not a reasoned argument; its circumstantial nonsense being employed for the sole reason of intimidation. And, as to the owners of the proposed business, why would you let the integrity of your cause be trivialized by a bunch of people calling racism. Show your community leadership — rein these people in and urge them to stick the facts, and not to deploy unsubstantiated allegations of racism. You have a responsibility here — these are arguments being made on your behalf — your silence condones their use. i have no doubt you’d rather see your business accepted or not accepted on its merits — and not becuase people have intimidated opponents. speak up.

  • Family Man

    Stick to the facts here children: No one cares what race the business owners are, they care about what kind of business they want to open.

    Let them open a fantastic restaurant that serves the best authentic food, plays original music, serves great drinks and closes it’s doors at midnight.

  • http://www.facebook.com/francesa1 Frances Anna Ayers

    As a thirty year resident and one of the people who spoke in favor of the bar moratorium years ago,I am definitely not in favor of another bar opening up around the corner.Especially if they are going to be situated across the Hotel On Rivington which is also a problem.

  • Sylvie M

    It is very upsetting to read the accusations of racism leveled at those who have questions about another full liquor license being obtained in a Resolution zone. Please, let have a debate on the merits and facts of the case, and not have the arguments sink to the depths of vitriol and animosity that we have seen here.
    I think the idea for a LES Dwellers Association is a good one! It should be a chance for all the residents of the Lower East Side Community to discuss the issues of quality of life that concern us. Unfortunately, during many points at the inaugural meeting of the LES Dwellers Association, there were feelings of intimidation and bullishness when there shouldn’t have been!

Recent Stories

Talking Shop with ‘The Last Jewish Waiter’ at Katz’s [INTERVIEW]
Featured Food

Talking Shop with ‘The Last Jewish Waiter’ at Katz’s [INTERVIEW]

Where in the World is the Lower East Side?
Boogie Beat

Where in the World is the Lower East Side?

Neighborhood Youth Rally Against Children’s Magical Garden Fence
Real Estate

Neighborhood Youth Rally Against Children’s Magical Garden Fence

Sara D. Roosevelt Park and Liz Christy Garden in Celebration Mode
Art

Sara D. Roosevelt Park and Liz Christy Garden in Celebration Mode

The Artistic Touch of Tunisia on Broome Street
Art

The Artistic Touch of Tunisia on Broome Street

Another Look at Ludlow Newcomer Stanley’s Pharmacy
Food

Another Look at Ludlow Newcomer Stanley’s Pharmacy

Fire Response at 102 Delancey
Featured

Fire Response at 102 Delancey

[Photo: Rock Shic]
Fashion

Rock Shic: Devil’s in the Details

The Lowline Hosting Benefit Concert on May 30
Music

The Lowline Hosting Benefit Concert on May 30

Here’s How You Can Help Save the Children’s Magical Garden
Real Estate

Here’s How You Can Help Save the Children’s Magical Garden