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Signs posted on property neighboring Lounge 47's back yard implore diners to shush. (John Del Signore/Gothamist)
Lounge 47, a restaurant and bar with a capacious back yard on Vernon Blvd in Long Island City, has had a tough time making peace with some neighbors who say the noise and smoke from the patio is unbearable. Next door neighbor Beth Garrett and her husband have installed large signs on their property begging Lounge 47 patrons to pipe down, and a growing group of locals want the State Liquor Authority to revoke the liquor license, which was recently renewed. (The Garretts have also been accused of spraying their hose over the fence onto diners.) The current owner is now trying to sell the place, but the potential buyer wants to make sure he'll be able to transfer the liquor license.
That buyer was supposed to make his case at a public hearing with Community Board 2 in Queens on Tuesday, but he failed to appear because his mother died recently. But that didn't stop a crowd of 60 disgruntled locals from venting about Lounge 47, which seems symbolize the tension between the community's different lifestyles. According to the Queens Chronicle, Pauline Rodi, who also lives next door to Lounge 47 and has been a neighborhood resident for 54 years, explained, "I’ve known Long Island City when it was beautiful, quiet, family oriented. ... Young children played on the sidewalk, which we cannot do anymore. The children cannot play because it’s overrun by people and drinking and swearing and cussing. So you can’t be in the back yard and you can’t be in the front yard."
The current owner told the group, "We want to get on with the neighbors. My ex-partners went to the Garretts and said, 'What can we do?' and William and Beth [Garrett] said, 'Nothing; you can move out.'" The Queens Chronicle reports that the meeting devolved into a shouting match when one newcomer, Brett Banchek, who moved into one of the new L.I.C. highrises about a year ago, defended the Long Island City nighlife: "If these restaurants move out, my family is going to move out." Other residents demanded to know if he's ever lived next door to one of these establishments.
The board won't make any decision about the license transfer until after they hear from the potential buyer. And the Nightlife Preservation Society has yet to weigh in. For the record, we've been to Lounge 47 on a couple of occasions (killer wasabi deviled eggs!) and it's never seemed like the raucous den of iniquity that neighbors make it out to be. On the other hand, when you have twenty yuppies yucking it up, blowing smoke rings, and clinking their wine glasses, the cumulative effect is enough to fill anyone with bloodlust. [Via NYC The Blog]
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so when the current business owners asked the neighbors what they could do, the resident told them to move?
she's gonna be stuck in this hell a lot longer with that attitude.
"Pauline Rodi, who also lives next door to Lounge 47 and has been a neighborhood resident for 54 years..." Blah blah blah.
I remember when they removed Saint John's park down on Varick street and replaced it with a terminal for Commodore Vanderbilt's choo choo train operation. The area was never the same after that.
While I can respect and understand the desire for peace and quiet, perhaps some of these LIC residents need to remember what it was like before restaurants like Lounge 47 (which is actually a pretty nice place with good food) opened. Sometimes you really do need to be careful what you wish for.
Pauline Rodi doesn't know what she is talking about. I've only lived in the neighborhood for 2.5 years, but I guarantee you there are more children and families now then 54 years ago. Last week I was speaking to a guy that used to drive through the neighborhood for deliveries 20 years ago. He wouldn't stop at red lights because of fears of being jacked. Her "Won't someone please think of the children" rant is crap, with no basis in reality.
She should be happy about the Farmers Market, renovations to the pier and all the services that have come to the neighborhood with the "drunks" she claim are everywhere.
Wow 2.5 years? That's a long time!!
LIC used to be a thriving manufacturing sector where thousands of New Yorkers worked and suppported their families (yes many born, raised and living in LIC)while working in factories.
They began to close (not only because of outsourcing)but they were being bought out yes just around the time all the young whites decided to claim the territory as their "own."
Are you really racist or just pathetic? In my building there are people of all ethnicities and ages. Mostly families with young children.
"LIC used to be a thriving manufacturing sector"...how long ago? 10 years? 20 years? Sorry you don't get to live next to your abandoned and boarded up warehouses. I'm sure things were much better when the piers were falling into the East River and no one wanted to go near them. Were you out this weekend? There were families and young people from all walks of life enjoying it.
Get over your xenophobia.
While there are a lot of "clueless white people", there are apparently a lot of other people who are clueless about where these neighborhoods came from. Much of North Brooklyn/Eastern Queens consisted of white neighborhoods until a few decades ago.
I don't go around complaining, it is the cycle of a city When some ignorant person like TakeBackOurCommunities thinks that they are any more entitled to a neighborhood because of their race, they show just how ignorant they are. If Italian, German, Polish, etc working class people came back to Williamsburg or Bushwick or LIC with slogans like "take back our communities" there would be a shitstorm. The communities where my parents and grandparents grew up are now dilapidated and full of crime. Much of LIC was rough for decades as much as people want to romanticize things in retrospect. If people of any race want to keep out "clueless" people of any race, I suggest taking care of what you have. If, on the other hand, you want to complain and look like a victim while people build condos and wine bars around you, you're doing just fine.
lol thankful? Really?
As a williamsburg resident that worked around that area in vernon and jackson ave for just 6yrs..I feel sorry for the people that lived in that area before "urban gentrification" reared its ugly head and crossed the Pulaski bridge from williamsburg. With it came the boom of luxury condos, "clueless white people" influx and price outs. Although I cant defend if shes being a bitch about it she definitely shouldn't be thankful for anything. And the neighborhood wasn't bad at all even before this. Its only a matter of time before residents like her and many others get pushed out.
"as a williamsburg resident"
Enough said.
"clueless white people"
What is with all the racism? While "white people" are a plurality in my building, it is way less than half. The only clueless person here is you.
Yeah "as a williamsburg resident"I think I have alittle experience in "urban gentrification" which is whats going on around vernon blvd etc. see I lived here before the yoga gym was a bodega across the street from me and to the left wasn't a row of condos.
And the "clueless white people" part is an saying it how it is..have they been black,brown,orange or damn purple I would have said it. Just because someone adds a color to it don't make it racist. Now am I saying they are all clueless..no. So don't take the words out of context NYPost. As you can see political correctness doesn't run well with me.
So what makes me clueless?
Pauline Rodi doesn't know what she is talking about. I've only lived in the neighborhood for 2.5 years, but I guarantee you there are more children and families now then 54 years ago."
Yeah, you in your 2 years of being a resident of LIC know more than the woman who's been there for 54 years.
Moron!
I can certainly speak to the current situation. There are many families with young children of all ethnicities around the neighborhood. Children can play on the sidewalk, in fact this weekend they were playing everywhere, including on the beautifully renovated piers that were a dump before "the whites started taking over".
I will concede that 54 years ago it may have been as nice a picture as she paints. What I should have said is that there are more children and families there now than there were 10-20 years ago, when everything was closing down and moving out.
If you want to go back 54 years on any neighborhood in New York you will find things very different, for better or worse.
Calling me a moron just goes to show you have nothing to add to the conversation.
question: how do you fight gentrification? make all white people (clueless or not) stay in approved neighborhoods?
You don't. It just happens. And not "all white people" are doing the gentrifying. I merely called out white because I see a majority of the clueless out of city people being white doing dumb sh!t around that area like going into a bus in rush hour and asking for directions.
yes, we'll call them "luxettos." whites will be confined to their own 3,000 sqft condos, in their luxury doorman buildings, surrouded by whole foods markets and prius dealerships. approved shopping consists only of united colors of bennington, barnes and noble, and locally-owned coffee-shops that deal exclusively in free-trade coffee and over-priced weekend brunch.
because this is what life is like for all white people. i know, i am one.
shhhh, don't tell anyone. i don't want to be relocated!
Since you have provided me with some good laughs today, I thought I'd share this comment from a friend of Pauline Rodi's son Kyle. (Warning, naughty language so probably NSFW) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9oLfvkbgP8
"So what makes me clueless?"
Let's see, the only friend of mine that has moved to Williamsburg" is Japanese. He also moved there with his wife and daughter. Yes they did move into a highrise along the water. I hope they didn't take your view. As I stated earlier, my building is very ethnically diverse. Full of black, brown, orange (I think he's using some Boehmer bronzer) and yes white. None of your "damn purple" people, but there is a unit for sale if you know anyone.
What I meant by my first remark is that anyone who has been a long time resident of Williamsbug would be sensitive to gentrification. I think Hunter's Point is a little different, because it was mostly industrial. A lot of the people and business left as things shut down. Look along 48th Ave. It is abandoned warehouses that are being knocked down for new condos. While some people may be getting priced out, I'm sure there are some residents that did very well as the property values rose.
And I would think that the residents there now would be excited about schools and the public library that is being built and not just focus on a minority of young white singles that are mostly leaving the neighborhood to get drunk.
Back to this article in question... the main problem with gentrification being the invaders do not respect the community. I am sure the long time residents really needed a stylish bar with loud annoying drunk people.
oh yeah and I am sure they appreciate the "better" schools for their children, interesting this only happens when "certain" people start invading the community. Long Island City was also not zoned for high rises prior to this rapid gentrification.
You sure are a LIC guy, but from your comments you are certainly not a born and raised New Yorker.
Actually I am, so thanks for showing your ignorance yet again. Your bigotry does a disservice to your cause. I hope you enjoy the public library that is being built in the neighborhood.
Cool. My friend just moved to Jackson heights..hes Filipino.Whats your point? I know how diverse the mighty spear(gotta love the dramatics) of urban gentrification looks like, I still do live here(williamsburg).
I still don't see what makes me clueless though.Clueless is the mindset that open space means its ok to build condos or luxury apartments..I mean really is that all they know to build.
"It is abandoned warehouses that are being knocked down for new condos."
Hope they get buyers for all of em.Id hate to see how empty half built condos look like just sitting there.
Wow you are not only clueless you are obtuse. My point is that it isn't just white people moving in. Sorry if you've had some bad experiences. I guess it is like my father with homosexuals, you just need to meet a white person in real life and realize they aren't that much different from you and me.
I also like how you reference open spaces that are being built upon in one sentence and then quote me talking about abandoned warehouses being knocked down to build condos. Actually the latest construction project on the Hunter's Point waterfront is a public library, so I guess they do know how to build something else. Oh, and the addition to the waterfront park just opened. Beautiful views of Manhattan, open grass space for children to play and great space to exercise or just relax. It sounds like you could use that right about now.
"Wow you are not only clueless you are obtuse. My point is that it isn't just white people moving in."
I dont believe you OMG thats just hearsay! Are you serious? Are you even reading what I write? "And not "all white people" are doing the gentrifying. I merely called out white because I see a majority of the clueless out of city people being white doing dumb sh!t around that area" I wrote that btw if your actually reading this right now you would know your "point" above means little. And now i am obtuse? whats up with the personal attacks anyways? lol hows this for obtuse? Go fvck yourself? Oh Yeah they are gonna be grateful if it wasn't the gentrification it was never gonna happen. And on gantry park..actually Im quite relaxed with some mr jack herer thank you very much. I have my own "park overlooking the condos overlooking the city" in my own hood to look at.
look, i think we can all agree that the white person (or "caucasoid") is the devil and that his/her presence strips any NYC neighborhood of all its local charm (ie corner drug-dealers, hookers and gun violence left over from the perpertually sexy 1970s). and if we let white people take away those things, where will they stop? that's what i want to know.
you're next, crown heights, because you are near an express train through manhattan!
Yes but you must attack first from the right thru brownsville!! That would lead a direct path to the main subways lines through there. Build a lounge around the 3 station.That will lead to crown heights completely surrounded..at least local bound. The mother of all jewels will be yours.From there you go on towards flatbush. Once you build a whole foods next that sprint store its yours.lol god speed my man thanks for the laughs =p
Wow, your posts have really degenerated into illiterate rambling. I did find the reply you referenced that was in response to someone else. Sorry I didn't go through to pick out your replies to others. I just saw this pearl of wisdom you offered up in response to one of my comments:
"And the "clueless white people" part is an saying it how it is..have they been black,brown,orange or damn purple I would have said it."
Get over yourself. You think construction noise is only happening outside your window?
"Wow, your posts have really degenerated into illiterate rambling" lol is that what you say when you don't understand something I write? Google is your friend sir.
And on the construction noise..not at all as far as I know I actually saw my neighborhood on tv today for some sh!t on stalled condo projects..so as for the moment not really.
I don't really see how google would help. Maybe you are old enough to remember the expression "garbage in, garbage out".
I guess I did misread this line you typed "mr jack herer" as a failed attempt to complain about a jack hammer. Then I thought you were just referring to your third highball of Tennessee whisky. Let's see what google says. http://www.jackherer.com/
Oh, you are talking about your drugs. How old are you? It sounds like you are the kind of person that Pauline Rodi is complaining about.
Go take your flame war someplace else.
I grew up in Astoria, LIC's neighbor to the north. Believe me, LIC has come a long way in the 30+ years that I've lived here. LIC was notorious for prostitution, abandoned warehouses, and high crime. While there were small enclaves of residential streets, the majority of LIC was not the area it is today and it still has quite a way to go before it becomes the truly gentrified neighborhood filled with clueless white people that so many are accusing it of being. You can't expect the neighborhood to improve but not provide the bars, restaurants, entertainment and shopping to sustain it. These long time residents are benefitting from this "gentrification" through increased police presence, increased jobs, and safer and cleaner streets -- perhaps they shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
30+ years? c'mon, that's no basis for an OPINION on gothamist!
i've lived in New York City since this shit was New Amsterdam. when i was growing up, LIC was a canoe launch for Canarsie tribe raiding parties. those fucking pricks didn't know how good they had it over there! all rolling fields of corn and shit. now it's all like "booooo a restaurant" and "what's with all these white people AM I RIGHT?"
all i'm sayin' is back in the 17th century, LIC was livin' right.
AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE FUCKING DUTCH INFLUX INTO SOUTHERN MANHATTAN! talk about gentrification, those fuckers built a goddamn wall to keep the natives out!
ravenswood represent (´ー`)y-~~
YOW... does everything have to devolve into an old timers vs. gentrifiers argument....
I have been here multiple times when the next door neighbors start blaring extremely loud soundtracks, laugh tracks, or dialogues which are always exponentially louder than any of the (very minor) noise that comes from the customers on the patio. Makes me wonder why someone doesn't report the neighbors for noise violations...
well, if it's not openly about hipsters or the fuzz, then yes. yes it does.
Am I the only one who finds the term gentrification far too broad and offensive in most cases? My roommates and I are all white women who work our asses off everyday to live in this amazing city that we all dreamed of being a part of but so many times we've been accused of being "part of the problem." It doesn't really seem fair to generalize everyone trying to make it on their own and taking advantage of affordable housing in areas outside of Manhattan.
It feels a little like reverse racism to me, but that's just my opinion.
a little like? it's pretty much the definition of, at least colloquially.
I admire that you are trying to make it on your own, and thats a difficult thing to do in New York City.
But regardless of you understanding or not it is "part of the problem."
It does not seem fair that low income New Yorkers get pushed out of their homes and their neighborhoods change as a result of this massive influxs.
Now that does not seem fair does it?
Hey, I'm a "clueless white person" who works his ass off everyday to raise my child and I understand that I don't have a 'right' to live in any particular neighborhood. If I cannot afford it, I cannot live there and look for something that I CAN afford. I live in Williamsburg and am sick of hearing how it was a Spanish hood, or a Dominican hood or whatever and that I should leave because I am different. My question: If you love your hood so much why is it so fucking filthy? Seriously, where's the civic pride?
I'm sorry, but I fail to see how I should be forced to pay more just because I actually have a good job which I earned and a paycheck which I use to support myself. Just because I'm not poor, I should have to get the hell out? I mean that's what you're saying, right? Because I went to school and got a good job and worked incredibly hard everyday to keep it, I have no right to live in a neighborhood I happen to love for a rent I can afford.
Makes sense to me.
IF IT'S TOO LOUD, YOU'RE TOO OLD.
Lounge 47 has the best tuna burger I have ever eaten.
So people living above it have no issues, just its neighbors? The garden must be open what, tops 4 months out of the year and is probably only loud at night. Seems like its really another issue at the core of this fight.
Not a good idea to buy your house directly next to a business that operates outdoors.....
As long we avoid aristocratization, everyone will be fine.
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/report_nations_gentrified
lol oh ok..so I guess google really did help.
Yeah drugs..yes and actually sir I was referering to the strain of marijuana (THE DRUG) which is called jack herer based on the man you link to btw and it is a sativa strain. And no actually im not like those people but thank you for your prejudgments =)
The garbage in garbage out process that Im familiar with is bad purge of data in a program code..however it can probably be applied to you what your thinking and what your typing =]
And sir I am 23 old..this "flamewar" started when you attacked me.So grow up if you think you gonna call someone a name and not expect them to say something back. You may be old enough to remember the saying "how do you like them apples?"
Cant really continue back to class I go
Have a good day sir!
Just a suggetstion... When attempting to respond and make a point, the use of commas, apostrophes and constructing your response sentences in a manner so that they all don't start with "and" makes them more readable, and lends some seriousness to your reponse. (Whew, just missed a run-on sentence, almost!) If you're stoned, relax, and feel free to post as you like. We understand.
Oh, and if you're not stoned, proper capitalization is a plus. I you are, carry on.