Under Fire for Illegal Backyard, Sixth Ward Removes Glass Enclosure
This image has been archived or removed.
The Sixth Ward on Orchard Street remains under fire for occupancy and egress issues concerning its illegal 90-seat backyard. From all angles, too. The Department of Buildings, State Liquor Authority, and Community Board 3 are reportedly applying pressure to force compliance. And now it appears the establishment is starting to buckle.
Last week, the seven-year-old neighborhood nuisance fully dismantled its controversial rear enclosure/billiards room. Digital projector and audio system were also removed from the housing. This action was essentially admission of violation. It follows two months after the Sixth Ward detached roughly 30% of the roof glass from the glasshouse to address the blocked residential fire escape.
This image has been archived or removed.
However, the establishment still intends to utilize the now-unenclosed space. Yup. This elevated platform contributes approximately 275 square-feet of additional backyard real estate to host more tables and seating (including non-fireproof banquettes). And the furniture is already in place.
Any usage of this back patio should be moot, though, considering there isn’t even a valid Certificate of Occupancy on record (expired 2007), nor a public assembly permit. This address has actually been denied such permits by the DOB 3 times – 2001, 2007, 2013. Ergo, maximum patrons allowed to gather in the establishment (including yard, if permitted) is only 74.
This image has been archived or removed.
Not to mention, the yard itself is a death trap with no secondary egress for emergencies. Though there once was an exit into the alley that runs along the north side of the building. This was sealed for use as an entrance to the apartments above American Apparel.
The Sixth Ward will face off against CB3 tonight in an attempt to renew its license; this was a reversal by the committee who previously thought public forum wasn’t necessary for this applicant. Of course, the board’s position is strictly advisory…
Recent Stories
These 3 Developments Threaten to Sever Chinatown Traffic Arteries in the Coming Years [Op-Ed]
As if the climate wasn’t dire enough for Chinatown businesses and residents amidst the pandemic, a proverbial perfect storm is brewing. Long-suffering Chinatown businesses, like much of the city, are encouraged by the loosening of indoor dining restrictions and remain hopeful for a return to some level of normalcy. However, it could be short-lived due […]
Community Lawsuit Halts City’s Chinatown Jail Plans
The Borough-based jail plan hit another major snag this week, with a grassroots lawsuit blocking the proposed Chinatown prison. Neighbors United Below Canal, a community organization, announced yesterday that its lawsuit won an injunction against development of the thirty-story high-rise at 125 White Street. Judge John Kelley ruled in favor of the community, noting that […]
Chinatown Fair Arcade in Danger of Eviction
During pandemic times, sharing buttons on game cabinets and sweating over dance games poses a difficult challenge for the remaining brick-and-mortar arcades. Especially the Chinatown Fair Arcade down on Mott Street. No stranger to survival – the 77-year-old arcade had shut for over a year before its revival in 2012 – Chinatown Fair now faces […]
Subway Tribute to Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Baden Ginsburg
Less than 24 hours after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, the street memorials started popping up around the city. Indeed, the artist largely known for manipulating city-issued signage (e.g. Aretha Franklin) struck again Saturday afternoon with a tribute to the late justice. This time, at the 50th Street subway station on the Eighth […]
Get a Piece of Mission Chinese Food Before it Closes
Mission Chinese Food is permanently closing its flagship restaurant on the Lower East Side, as previously reported. It lasted nearly six years on East Broadway before coronavirus imposed the business, like so many others. And now Mission is selling off some of its furnishings and ephemera with a stoop sale today. Items include restaurant equipment and […]
