Planning board accepts Alias Coffee special-use application as complete and schedules public hearing

The planning board reviewed an application from Alias Coffee (owner Hernan Lopez, architect Adam Patel) to expand a neighborhood café into the remainder of a 3,000-square-foot building at 4th Street and obtain a special-use classification to allow assembly/ticketed events and occasional alcohol service.

Applicant representatives said they seek assembly-use classification primarily to host occasional ticketed musical events and neighborhood gatherings while continuing daytime café service; the owner indicated events occur irregularly (roughly every one to two months) and that the café would typically close at about 5 p.m. on non-event days. The applicant described plans for an additional egress corridor, restrooms and a small roastery with appropriate vents.

Board members asked about parking, pedestrian circulation and event frequency; staff noted the adjacent Little Italy public parking area and recent sidewalk upgrades in the neighborhood. Because this is a Type 2 action under the local code, SEQR is not required. The board voted to declare the application complete and scheduled a public hearing for the next meeting on April 22.