Living Room Granted Another Extension While Planning Move
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The Living Room can likely thank Pianos for surviving so long after receiving the boot from its landlord at 154 Ludlow. Recall that plans had been in the works to convert the bi-level footprint into a performance-slash-gallery space with Mediterranean cuisine. But Community Board 3 didn’t take kindly to the plans and gave thumbs down in February. That seemingly put the proverbial monkey wrench into the proposal.
Translation – good news again for Living Room lovers during this stasis. Co-owner Jennifer Gilson reveals that the landlord of 154 Ludlow again extended their lease for the third time in as many months. Here they will remain through August.
Meanwhile, the fifteen-year-old venue is gunning for the former laundromat space at 173 East Second Street. The application for full liquor will be heard at the SLA subcommittee meeting next Monday night. But not without a NIMBY fight. Apparently the block association is opposed to allowing the Living Room to relocate its operations to this spot. For her part, Gilson says:
Of course there’s a good chance that if they block our liquor license, another less-neighborhood friendly business with less community history will take the space.
[On April 8] I will argue why after 15 years of enhancing the quality of life by hosting great music, kids shows, fundraisers, theater, etc., I should be able to stay in my neighborhood, which I helped to transform, and not be pushed to Brooklyn…
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