In a recent community board meeting, residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed licensing application for a new establishment at the corner of Perry and Hudson Streets. The discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding the impact of licensing previously unlicensed spaces on local businesses and the neighborhood's character.

A community representative reported that over the past seven and a half years, 182 applications for previously unlicensed spaces had been submitted, with 144 successfully licensed. This trend has reportedly led to the closure of various local businesses, including clothing stores, hair salons, and even a women's shelter, raising alarms about the loss of essential services in the area.

Residents voiced their frustrations, particularly regarding the proposed establishment's request for a beer and wine license, despite claims that it would operate as a quiet coffee shop. Marla Klinger, a resident living directly above the proposed site, expressed concerns about noise, garbage, and the potential for outdoor seating, which she believes would exacerbate existing issues in the neighborhood. Other residents echoed her sentiments, recalling past experiences with similar establishments that transformed from quiet venues into noisy bars.

Gary Onsen, another resident, cautioned against the establishment's potential evolution into a bar, referencing a previous coffee shop that had undergone a similar transformation. He emphasized the saturation of bars in the area, questioning the necessity of another establishment serving alcohol.

Kaylee Jostle, a long-time resident, highlighted the abundance of nearby options for food and drink, arguing that the proposed business does not meet a genuine community need. She expressed concerns about \"scope creep,\" where initial offerings expand to include more alcohol service over time.

Bill Baughman, a resident for 45 years, raised alarms about the establishment's focus on alcohol over food, noting the high number of seats proposed, which could lead to increased noise and disruption.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community members advocating for the preservation of local businesses and the character of their neighborhood, and the push for new establishments that may not align with those values. As the community continues to grapple with these changes, the outcome of the licensing application remains uncertain.