Committee reviews new ownership, hours and safety details for Morris Park liquor applications; no vote

The Bronx Community Board’s Economic Development and Public Safety Committee reviewed liquor-license paperwork Wednesday evening for businesses on Morris Park Avenue but did not vote because members lacked a quorum.

Committee Chair Dwayne Williams opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and directed discussion to applicants for licenses at several Morris Park addresses, including an application for a new license from the business that will operate as Leandro’s Kitchen and Wine and a renewal for the Morris Park Inn at 1024 Morris Park Avenue.

The applicant for Leandro’s Kitchen and Wine, speaking as the proprietor, said the business is under new ownership and will replace the former La Mesa; the proprietor said, “It’s gonna be Leandro’s Kitchen and Wine.” The proprietor gave initial service-hour plans as “from noon to probably 11PM,” and later acknowledged that a questionnaire submitted to the board showed bar hours that extend to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Board members noted the discrepancy and told the applicant to confirm final hours in the application materials.

Committee members also asked about public-safety measures. The committee heard that the space’s floor plan and a certificate of occupancy had been provided to the board office, and that building features include a kitchen, a camera system and two emergency exits; the applicant said capacity is “about 42.” The committee discussed outreach to the 49th Precinct; staff said the precinct had been sent the application packet but did not attend the meeting.

Because the committee had no quorum, members did not make a formal recommendation. Chair Dwayne Williams and cochair Veronica Castillo directed staff to bring the matters to the leadership committee at a meeting scheduled the next day and to the full board for a vote thereafter; staff asked the applicants to submit any missing or clarified paperwork to the board office in advance. Staff provided an email contact for submission: ckirka@cb.nyc.gov, listed during the meeting by staff member Chris Kirka.

The committee also told applicants they may speak at the full board meeting; members said the full board session will be held at the Oasis restaurant on White Plains Road at 7 p.m., with the date referenced during the meeting but not confirmed in committee discussion.

Next steps include submission of any missing documents, attendance at the leadership meeting for further review and a formal vote by the full board. No final action was taken at the committee meeting.