106 Rivington Saga Continues With Owners Refusing to Comment

Posted on: October 2nd, 2012 by Elie

Commentary from street level continues to pour in regarding the proposed Latin bistro-lounge at 106 Rivington Street. Ownership staunchly defends their plans for a “family” establishment in seeking a full liquor license, while denizens in the immediate vicinity claim their argument is simply smoke-and-mirrors. If approved, it would be the eighth license on the block between Ludlow and Essex.

The situation reached a boiling point last Wednesday evening during the inaugural LES Dwellers meeting. We were unable to attend but received numerous recaps. Community Board 3 district manager Susan Stetzer and local pol Wade Chan were both in attendance as well. The gathering was intended to be a discussion on growing concerns regarding over-saturation in Hell Square. From what we were told, the meeting was highly polarized with an overwhelming percentage of the turnout virulently in support of 106 Rivington Street. We fielded reports of divisiveness, verbal bullying, and accusations of racism.

In response to the uproarious 100-plus comments on posts regarding this story, we contacted the owners’ representative to ask a few basic questions about the operation. The goal was to learn more while also addressing the concerns raised by those residents most affected by the addition of another drinking establishment here. For whatever reason, team 106 Rivington ultimately declined to comment based on rumors that we had attended the SLA meeting last month (we hadn’t).

The supposed representative (in addition to refusing our questions at the last moment, they also declined to state their actual affiliation) did note that they’ll address questions at the upcoming meeting on October 15.

Until then, this is what we asked:

Tell us about the ownership and your/their connection to the Lower East Side. How long have you lived here? Any unique Lower East Side memories you can share?
106 Rivington Street is in a resolution area, meaning applicants require proof of a “public benefit or strong support from residents in the immediate area” (adjoining, above, behind, across street) to score a liquor license. With seven licenses already on the block between Ludlow and Essex, what is the additional benefit of having another?
What will set this proposed establishment apart from those that already exist? A major concern from neighbors is that it will attract yet another late night rowdy crowd despite promises of a neighborhood family establishment.
The CB3 application calls for capacity 200, DJ booth, two bouncers, multiple TV screens, and 4 am closing. On paper, this fits the key criteria for a nightclub, but that doesn’t seem like how it’s being presented. Are those things needed to be a successful restaurant and, if so, why do you think so? Are there plans for something in addition to the restaurant?
Accusations are flying that localized criticism against the 106 Rivington application is racially-motivated. However, both supporters and opponents of the plan have both stated that racism accusations are a distraction from the real point. What do you think?
Have you considered alternate locations for the establishment?
What do you see the Lower East Side becoming in five years?

Tags

LES Dwellers

Read the full account of the “hijacked” community meeting by supporters of 106 Rivington (majority not residing in impacted or over-saturated area ie Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Upper West) http://www.LESdwellers.org (Blog section; Archives). LES Dwellers is in contact with applicant’s lawyer and was told “his clients were not involved and do not condone” what happened at the inaugural meeting. Lawyer reassured LES Dwellers that their scheduled meeting with his clients would be about the merits of the case only – there would not be talk of race or racism. Does anyone know who the gentleman was taking photos and handing out signs to supporters of 106 Riv? We would like to have access to the photos.
ORCHARD STREET RISE UP! Rob Shamilian of Baby Fat, Spitzer’s Corner, Gallery Bar, Loz Feliz and the defunct Mason Dixon is one of the partners behind Tiny Forks opening in the old Slipper Room space – applying for a full liquor license and alterations to basement for a bar. This application is in a Resolution Zone area! His establishments are the reason LES is a trashy, tacky, suburban boozy theme park. He is NOT opening a seafood restaurant – don’t be fooled! This is about another bar! Why is he back? He said “LES was over” and moved with his family to Brooklyn…but left us with a hell of a mess: http://nypress.com/goodbye-to- Contact us and we will help you with petition etc. No more bars, clubs, and night-life driven restaurants on the L.E.S.! Enough!
- The Real L.E.S.
  
  L.E.S. Dwellers was created 20 days ago, for the sole purpose of trying to block 106 Rivington Street from receiving their license. After D.Boyd loses her battle with 106 Rivington Street, don’t think she will continue to spend her days or evenings helping anyone else out. She is only out for herself and won’t care once this matter has come to a resolution. So all of those people who think she is out for a noble cause, remember this post. She is only out to help herself.
  Furthermore, when the Community Meeting was conducted at CB3′s office on September 26th, there were 4 people in opposition of 106 Rivington and 118 in support. This was billed as a community meeting for the residents in the neighborhood that wanted to discuss quality of life issues and the application of 106 Rivington Street. So no it wasn’t hijacked, it was residents from CB3 who were in support of 106 Rivington’s Application. L.E.S Dwellers is only 4 people.
  106 Rivington Street’s application is for a Restaurant not a club, bar or anything else. Just a Restaurant! If anyone has any FACTS to the contrary, bring them to light. If not, stop spreading false rumors and fabricating lies.
- http://www.facebook.com/marclande Marc Lande
  
  Why don’t you move out. You obviously don’t like it here, so leave. Let someone build a restaurant or a bar. If you wanna be a boring grumpy old person move where boring old people live. You could even live on the upper west side now, i hear they are closing bars left and right over there and not letting any new ones get build. Go be grumpy somewhere else. LES is my playground and I like having new bars and restaurants open in the area. That is what makes LES fun! I am a 24 year old born and raised New Yorker living in LES and I approve this message. GO HOME you boring “dweller” @f0a7cb02a1a851df7ee9dd1723b75ccd:disqus and good luck to @68827bd37377a03fd67a4813c4a8b9b8:disqus Man you sound like my grandparents with this shit… I take that back, my grandparents are way cooler then you lame altacockers!
  - THE LOWER EAST SIDE
    
    um, I have a question? do you even recognize the historic nature of this neighborhood and the fact that these new establishments are destroying the buildings that we live in. DL anyone? That said- if you think Bowery Boogie is comprised of grumpy old persons then why are you reading this blog? educate yourself. I was born and raised in LES and I guarantee you were not.
    - Lovelyles
      
      um,i have question how many latino own restaurant are issued a liquor license in past few years?uugghhh none why? When we still have 25% still living here answer that “MORON”,an yea you could guarantee I was born an still living here!!!!
      - http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
        
        Stop calling people morons/idiots and attacking other commenters. First and last warning. We’ve been real lenient with moderating comments but it’s getting annoying.
      - Lovelyles
        
        @davidgustav:disqus OK got it!! Just wondering if your being equal with both parties?The way this site been handiling this location your making it seem like these people are the enemy in this neighborhood dont you think?
      - http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
        
        Thanks. We’re trying to be as fair as possible to both sides. There are questions that we’d like to see answered which is why we tried to contact the owners. If you read the questions we posted above, they’re fair and address specific facts, not emotions. Looks like we’re going to have to wait until the meeting for more details.
        
        From a comment perspective on all these posts, it seems like every time questions are raised about specific facts they are usually met with name calling and emotions instead of a thought out response based on facts or logic. That isn’t an endorsement that one view is more right than the other, but the personal attack approach doesn’t convince me of anything either way.
        
        Basically friends and supporters of the owners want to help them, people who live in the buildings nearby want to make sure that a new business follows rules and won’t destroy their lives. Both sides have valid motivation.
      - Lovelyles
        
        @davidgustav:disqus The specific facts that are not true like i said cause i asked the owners myself i have concerns of my neighborhood too! If the owners did not want to answer question you wanted to ask them dosent mean people have to assume or just lie about this place,an about the rules they sign some stips that the Rivington st.block association&neighbors an the owners came to an agreement with,now how would a restaurant which has stipulations that where fairly agreed on by the” real block association” not an association that made 20 days ago like someone mention already would destroy their lives?
      - http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
        
        It’s great that you asked the owners and you clearly care very much about this which I respect, but you saying that you spoke to the owners is the same as LES Dwellers telling their side. Neither side are the owners. That’s why we want answers from the owners. Like I said, it’s about facts.
      - Lovelyles
        
        @davidgustav:disqus but when you asked how to reach out to the owners i told you that you could go to any of there stores in the neighborhood an ask for the owner like i said and get all the facts straight like i did.Im upset at the facts being stated here are false.I think its only fair before this site takes any sides,an that this site talks to owners before you state that this establishment would destroy peoples lives!!! its only fair for the readers of this website.
      - http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
        
        Don’t confuse what this site says with what commenters are saying in the comments section. This site hasn’t taken a side, it has posted a list of questions that when answered will help educate people. The owners declined to answer our questions. We’ve given both sides a place to leave comments.
      - Lovelyles
        
        @davidgustav:disqus you stated in your own words this place would destroy their lives!!! just repeating your own words thats it.Commenters are saying good things about these people too!!!
      - http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
        
        Do you mean this? “Basically friends and supporters of the owners want to help them, people
        who live in the buildings nearby want to make sure that a new business
        follows rules and won’t destroy their lives. Both sides have valid
        motivation.”
        
        People are for it and against it. That’s what I said. There was no personal opinion in that. End of story. We’ll cover the story more when there’s new facts.
      - Lovelyles
        
        @davidgustav:disqus Well said but you said it, just wanted that clear. im not going at you, just stating that theres more negative facts from your site not people then possitive thats all! fair is fair.I feel these owners are being bullied by a few people making stuff up an im not gonna let that happen when i know facts.Thats it end of my story!
Sylvie

It is incorrect to state that there were only four people in opposition of 106 Rivington Street obtaining a liquor license at the LES Dwellers meeting. There were more people that that opposing in attendance. Besides which, there were some people in opposition who left during the meeting because of the atmosphere of intimidation and divisiveness. Of those who showed up in favor of 106 Rivington Street, it is questionable whether they live in the impacted area that is in question. Just having bodies fill a room is great for a cause, but only if these people are actually the ones who live in the surrounding blocks of this proposed new establishment.
- The Real L.E.S.
  
  How convenient for you to state that there were more than 4 people in opposition and that the people in support were not from the area. It seems so blatantly personal what you guys are doing.
  First of all there were only 4 people in opposition and we have the photos and names to prove it. We won’t actually post that here out of respect for those in attendance. However, I’m sure you can get the attendance sheets from D.Boyd and L.E.S. Dwellers (4ppl).
  The good thing in life is that when the truth is on our side, we have nothing to fear. October 15th will come soon enough. The CB3 Committee and the residents will see who really has the support of their community.
  Guarantee you now it won’t be L.E.S. Dwellers.
  - Sylie
    
    You have photos and names to prove who is in opposition?! This sounds inappropriate and purposefully intimidating!
The Real L.E.S.

This is how this looks from afar….. D.Boyd’s LES Dwellers are willing to fabricate lies to supposedely block 106 Rivington Street’s license. Now as residents of this neighborhood, the only thing that should matter to us is the truth. If anyone is in doubt of who is telling the truth; please come out to the next CB3 SLA Committee meeting on October 15th at 6:30 pm at 200 East 5th Street. The owners I’m sure, are not fearful but wishing for the day to come. If there is anyone who’s confused please come to the meeting and when it’s all said and done, I’m sure you will see the hatred and bias of this recently assembled four person group called LES Dwellers. A community works together…. it is not supposed to rip each other apart.
- LES Resident
  
  The “Real” LES, what’s in this for you? What’s your noble cause? How are you going to benefit from this “restaurant”? What is your truth? As a resident of this neighborhood just like D.Boyd, I can tell you what I am going to benefit: ZERO.
  - Lovelyles
    
    Not if you become one of there employees maybe a dishwasher??? Ill put in a good word!!!
  - The Real L.E.S.
    
    Since you ask I will tell you how I would benefit. I would benefit from 106 Rivington Street becoming a latin bistro because the choices for latin food around this neighborhood are scarce. I believe they will add to the rich latin culture in the neighborhood and it will be great food. Does my answer satisfy your concern with my benefit? I’m sure it doesn’t as you are probably a conspiracy theorist. Good Luck.
    - The REAL REAL L.E.S
      
      You’re a F’n fool Real L.E.S. If you’re the type of person who REALLY REALLY wants this establishment, I’m more against 106 more than ever. Keep your chins up LES Dwellers. We, the REAL neighborhood, are behind you. This rapid descent into Hell Square MUST BE STOPPED.
      - Rivington resident
        
        Have to say that the The Real L.E.S did answer your question pretty good then you call him a fool.Seems like your part of the so called dwellers… Looks like the dwellers have a personal problem with this applicant I never heard of these guys (dwellers) till now.Where have you been? This is not about fighting for a neighborhood quality of life this is “PERSONAL”
LES Dwellers

We support and
would welcome a legitimate restaurant.

We oppose liquor-licensed
night-life driven restaurants, which include 4am closing time, security
guards, DJs, and basement level bar/lounges in their business
plans. The L.E.S. Dwellers has the right to exist by the fact that it is comprised of people who live in the impacted area. We have the right to assemble and organize. We will not be marginalized.

The
bars, clubs, and night-life driven
restaurants are the “1%” in this community, but holding all the power.
Who is
advocating for other “99%” — the people and families who call the
L.E.S.
home? The Community Board listened to the overwhelming concerns of the
residents when they organized and advocated for a bar moratorium on
the L.E.S., specifically due to the over saturation of bars and
nightlife- driven establishments on Rivington, Ludlow, Stanton and
Orchard Street. The Community Board implemented measures to safeguard
the community, providing on their website the restrictions, rules, and
guidelines on applying for a liquor license in a Resolution Zone. It is
up to us as a community to seek out and obtain this information –
become informed, understand our rights and organize in support or
opposition of any applicant applying for a full liquor license in a
Resolution Zone.
We formed
not as a personal reaction to 106 Rivington, but to the
process in which applicants can apply in a Resolution Zone as a
restaurant that includes full liquor license, 4am closing time, DJs,
multiple TV screens, security guards, and basement bars/lounges.
Despite
the valiant efforts of the Community Board, applicants attain full
liquor licenses under the pretext of being a responsible restaurant to
the community. Applicants apply as a restaurant with nightlife driven
accouterments ie 4am closing times, DJ’s, basement bars /lounges,
security guards. It is merely a sleight of hand– a way for
representatives of these establishments to get around the bar moratorium
and not have to be completely transparent to the community. There have
been numerous instances where applicants were issued a full liquor
license after ensuring the community that they were a legitimate
restaurant–neglecting to inform the community that their business plan
was based on 4am closing time, basement -level bars/lounges, security
guards stationed at the door, DJs, disruptive sound
levels, and attracting a transient clientele not concerned with food but
waiting behind velvet rope barricades to get into over-crowded
basement-level bars/lounges with DJs. For example, Loz Feliz, Spitzer’s
Corner, and the defunct Mason Dixon, barely resemble restaurants on any
given night. It would be
negligent and irresponsible as a community not to question the
application of 106 Rivington and Tiny Fork @ 167 Orchard Street- both
applying as restaurants for a full liquor license with 4am closing time,
security guards, DJs, and basement-level bars/lounges.
- The Real L.E.S.
  
  LES Dwellers is now mentioning others in their posts so that it is not perceived that they have a personal agenda against 106 Rivington Street. In reality D.Boyd and her neighbor (the supposed LES Dwellers) are being disengenuous to the residents who actually might be interested in community activism. They both have a self interest in blocking 106 Rivington Street. This is personal on their part and if you really think they will be there for you. Good Luck….. Guaranteed once 106 Rivington Street is concluded they will be hard to get and won’t have time. So if anybody is interested in being involved in community activism, I would suggest the following organizations University Settlement, G.O.L.E.S (Good Old Lower East Side), Urban Justice, United Jewish Council, Asian Americans for Equality and or Henry Street Settlement. Those organizations have been established for many years and are actually doing alot of good for the neighborhood. They are not a group that was formed 3 weeks ago (LES Dwellers) with a personal axe to grind. Good Luck and may God Bless the Lower East Side.
- REALLESDWELLER
  
  LES Dwellers (Who arent from LES only NOW live in LES) GOT ME SICK ALREADY!! They are so stuck on blocking 106 Rivington that they created a bogus 4 member association and website in record time! Question is if they really care about LES like they foolishly claim than why did they wait until this restaurant to attempt to open to start up their lil association? Their agenda is soooo obvious It makes me want to puke. How ridiculous is this? Funny they want to say their meeting was hijacked? Truth is I feel like my neighborhood LES was HIJACKED by these very same people who oppose life long neighborhood residents from progressing. My advice is plain and simple if you want to live the suburb life than you need to move to the suburbs…..It’s only logical
LES Dwellers

Visit http://www.lesdwellers.org, Like us on FaceBook and Follow us on Twitter…See our long term commitment. Join Us!
- The Real L.E.S.
  
  LES Dwellers is a 3 week old 4ppl group that was started by D.Boyd and her neighbor to literally oppose one applicant. They are not being sincere with anyone. Once 106 Rivington Street is resolved, I guarantee they will not have time or really care to help anyone else. This is only because 106 is right next door to where they live. So if anyone is interested in wasting there time and helping LES Dwellers, just keep in mind they won’t be very involved after their agenda to stop 106 comes to a conclusion. Good Luck to Everyone.
- The Real L.E.S.
  
  LES Dwellers is now mentioning others in their posts so that it is not perceived that they have a personal agenda against 106 Rivington Street. In reality D.Boyd and her neighbor (the supposed LES Dwellers) are being disengenuous to the residents who actually might be interested in community activism. They both have a self interest in blocking 106 Rivington Street. This is personal on their part and if you really think they will be there for you. Good Luck….. Guaranteed once 106 Rivington Street is concluded they will be hard to get and won’t have time. So if anybody is interested in being involved in community activism, I would suggest the following organizations University Settlement, G.O.L.E.S (Good Old Lower East Side), Urban Justice, United Jewish Council, Asian Americans for Equality and or Henry Street Settlement. Those organizations have been established for many years and are actually doing alot of good for the neighborhood. They are not a group that was formed 3 weeks ago (LES Dwellers) with a personal axe to grind. Good Luck and may God Bless the Lower East Side.
Lovelyles

You do know that people get drunk of wine an beer too!!!! Do you even make sense??? Hey dwellers just admit that there’s a personal issue between the applicant an whoever is behind the so called dwellers you making it look so obvious..
shame on you “boweryboogie”

Is it just me or the bowery boogie just post all the negative posting on top all the time, wat people do to sell a story poor columnist nice of you for taking sides,don’t quit your day job.LET’S GO 106 best of luck guys!!!
SHAME ON YOU “BOWERYBOOGIE”

GOOD1 “BOWERBOOGIE” POST ALL THE POSITIVE COMENTS AT THE BOTTOM LIKE YOU BEEN DOING ALL ALONG I WONDER WHY????
- http://www.boweryboogie.com/ Dave Gustav
  
  Calm down chief. The system arranges it by date order or by the number of responses. Love your conspiracy theory though.
  - SHAME ON YOU BOWERYBOOGIE!
    
    ILL calm down”chief” when you treat this fair and don’t take any sides,an theory really?Its just the TRUTH!!!! I like your theory of date order number of reponses nice try though!!!! REMEMBER YOUR SUPPOSE TO BE NEUTRAL NOT TAKING SIDES!!!!!!!!! Like you obviously are,an yea put this post at the bottom like you’ve been doing.
jay

I think the LES is a total loss right now for residents – LESDwellers is 10 years too late – just look what happened to L.O.C.O.. But, on the upside, based on my experiences this will never pass through the CB3.
A.steiner

The area is known as “Hell Square” for a reason. Can you really blame the residents of this block for being fed up? Have you ever seen it on a weekend night!? Totally loud, crowded and out of control. It’s about time some people finally cared and took a stand.
Bakerjake

The addition of walls of signs with PISSING in big red letters is not a welcome contribution to the neighborhood. Please move away. Thanks.
LovelyLes

So bowery boogie can you post what really went down at cb3 tonight that the” LES DWELLERS”got shut down tonite and that they were just opposing 106 application and not nobody else!!! Wow can you put this post on the top? guess not. like always you have to give these guys credit like they deserve…..Dboyd lmao!!!! nice try get a life!!!!!
StedyRuckus

For the record, the only four questions of relevance are the first four, and they were all thoroughly answered at the Community Board meeting.