Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Licensing Transfer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Applicants seek full liquor transfer for 340–342 Bleecker, vow to keep sidewalk and roadway cafes
Summary
Applicants for 340–342 Bleecker told Community Board 2 they will transfer an existing full‑liquor restaurant and maintain its sidewalk (8 tables/16 seats) and roadway (22 tables/44 seats) cafes, keep hours largely unchanged and sign previously negotiated stipulations; neighbors pressed for enforceable plans on lines, sidewalk clearance and pickup traffic.
The Community Board 2 SLA committee reviewed a transfer application for 340–342 Bleecker Street from a hospitality group represented by Joseph Ley and the group’s operations director, Peter. The applicants said they plan to acquire the business’s assets, keep the existing hours (8 a.m.–midnight weekdays, 8 a.m.–1 a.m. weekends), operate a restaurant‑focused all‑day French bistro and maintain the licensed outdoor footprint — an eight‑table/16‑seat sidewalk cafe and a 22‑table/44‑seat roadway cafe authorized under the DOT program. Joseph Ley said the sale transfers the method of operation “inclusive of the method of operation,” and Peter said the owners would adhere to prior stipulations, including a 10 p.m. outside‑closing stipulation and no live music or DJs. "We intend to adhere to all those," Peter said when asked about past agreements.
Committee members and neighborhood speakers pressed the applicants on crowding, sidewalks and vehicle pick‑ups. Neighbors noted the sidewalk is narrow (about 13 feet) and asked how the business will avoid creating a queue that obstructs the clear path. The applicants described a reservation-plus text‑notification system, doormen/security and ride‑share geo‑fencing to limit curbside pickups, and said they would agree to stipulations that maintain the clear sidewalk path. Resident Ruby Sarosino said longtime neighbors need access without hour‑long queues; Nancy Paisley and others questioned whether the group’s other properties (some dinner‑only, higher‑end venues) indicate this site will operate as a destination rather than a neighborhood restaurant.
The committee signaled it will insist on enforceable operational stipulations if it recommends approval, including maintaining a clear pedestrian path at all times and outside‑closing hours, and asked applicants to clarify traffic/pickup plans. No formal vote was recorded during the discussion.
