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Renwick residents push back against Lilliput wine‑and‑coffee lounge; board lays application over for neighbor talks
Summary
Vanessa Evans’ proposal for Lilliput at 45 Renwick — a coffeehouse and evening wine lounge — drew heavy opposition from immediate neighbors (505 Greenwich and others) who cited narrow streets, family households, ventilation/asbestos concerns and lack of outreach; the board agreed to lay the item over and asked the applicant to meet neighbors.
Vanessa Evans, the owner of a proposed establishment called Lilliput at 45 Renwick Street, presented plans for a coffee‑by‑day, wine‑and‑light‑cocktail lounge by night. Her team said the venue would be small (about 34 seats plus a 6‑seat bar), largely reservation‑driven, and would limit private parties (proposed cap: 12–15 per year). Counsel also said the project would donate 1% of net profits to charities supporting women and LGBTQ+ causes.
Many nearby residents — particularly occupants of 505 Greenwich Street — said they had not been contacted and objected to a first‑time liquor license on Renwick, calling it a narrow, quiet, family‑oriented street. Speakers raised additional concerns about recent construction and asbestos remediation, vibration from nearby licensed venues and the risk that even a modest wine bar would generate late‑night noise and for‑hire vehicle activity.
Vanessa Evans offered several concessions at the meeting: she removed DJs from the application, said any live music would be unamplified and limited, offered a constrained cocktail list and agreed to meet with neighbors and community board staff. After more than an hour of testimony, the committee agreed to lay the application over until January so applicants and neighbors could meet and report back.
The layover gives the applicant time to document construction permits and to work with neighbors and the board office on noise, garbage and egress plans; the board said it would expect written agreements or stipulations if the application returns for a recommendation.
