Opposition to 106 Rivington Gains Support of Local Politicians

Judging by the ferocious frequency of new nightlife in the neighborhood, residents are arguably reaching the proverbial tipping point. And the LES Dwellers are at the forefront of the fight; the fight to stop a proposed Latin “restaurant” (read: club) from entering 106 Rivington Street, and more globally, a check on future liquor saturation. The plot thickens…

Last Thursday was the “500 Foot Hearing” before the SLA judge, an engagement initially prompted when Community Board 3 refused to approve a full liquor license. Ownership is instead rolling the dice directly with the state to bypass the ruling, and must prove the public benefit of a 200-occupancy establishment with nightly closing times of 4am. But the issue of ownership in itself could become the Achilles Heel of the plan altogether.

The LES Dwellers allege that the two applicants championed as principals – Jose Rodriguez and Robert Payne – are allegedly just a front, further raising doubts about the operation and the principals behind it. The NIMBY group further claims that neither name appears on legal paperwork for Stop 1 Deli or E&S Wholesome Foods, the businesses they reported to have represented. Instead, lines were traced back to the possible real owner and money man, Aventura/Romeo Santos music manager Johnny Marines, who was also involved in the failed Le Lupanar. Apparently his personal tweets boast about the new joint, spreading word to club promoter friends, etc.

Other items discussed were the alleged bully tactics by 106 Rivington, the fact that there are roughly 27 other Latino restaurants in the immediate vicinity, and that 451 of 547 signatures of support are questionable (i.e. not from the affected area).

But the opposition forces also gained a significant ally in local politicians. Both State Senator Daniel Squadron and Councilwoman Margaret Chin are against the liquor license here, with the latter going so far as sending a representative to the meeting. It was the proverbial ace up the sleeve of the Dwellers, who responded with the following public comment yesterday afternoon:

We wanted to personally thank State Senator Daniel Squadron for his letter of support, and Councilwoman Margaret Chin for both her letter of support and sending a representative to speak on record at the NY SLA 500 ft Hearing for 106 Rivington Street. We are deeply grateful that they stood up for the families, working class people, the immigrants and the diverse group of residents who call Lower East Side home. Their support signaled to us that they have heard our concerns about our diminishing quality life as a result of the over proliferation of nightlife-driven establishments. By standing with the residents, State Senator Daniel Squandron and Councilwoman Magret Chin have inspired and made us hopeful that our vision of a vibrant, livable, and economically diverse Lower East Side is possible once again.

From here, the case is punted to the full SLA board for another hearing. Should the state rule in favor of 106 Rivington, Ms. Boyd explains the LES Dwellers are fully prepared to take this to the courts.

It’s not over yet. Not by a long-shot.