During Union Hall’s first year of operation, the Block Association refused to meet with Union Hall owners despite repeated requests by Mary Lou Bradley of David Yassky’s Office.
The Block Association then refused to attend meetings to mediate with Union Hall explicitly organized:
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•by CB6 and the 78th Precinct on April 25, 2007; and
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•by the 78th Precinct with the SLA on April 29, 2008.
Meanwhile, the owners have made extensive efforts to reduce Union Hall’s impact on the block by voluntarily:
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•increasing soundproofing and sound controls in at least six major ways;
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•closing the downstairs and the alleyway early;
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•meeting with the precinct regularly about sound control in public right of way;
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•providing direct cell phone contact with security staff to neighbors;
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•adding additional security and signage advising patrons to respect neighbors; and
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•making numerous other efforts.
Despite numerous visits and inspections at Block Association’s behest, Union Hall has never been found in violation by the FDNY, DEP, or SLA.
One of the primary roles of a Community Board is to mediate circumstances just like this. If CB6 asks the regulatory authorities to deny a license without mediation, it abdicates this crucial role. More importantly, it tells the Block Association and the broader community that it is fine to avoid mediation, including efforts CB6 explicitly took to try to broker it, in an effort to close a small business.
The following people will attest to the veracity of the statements above:
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•Leroy Branch, Assistant District Manager, Community Board 6, (718) 643-3027 x204
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•Sergeant Spezio, Community Affairs, 78th Precinct, (718) 636-6491
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•Mary Lou Bradley, formely of David Yassky’s office, MLouBrad@gmail.com
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•Sergeant Nybia Cooper, formerly of 78th Precinct Community Affairs, now at 77th Precinct, (718) 735-0611
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•Paul Nelson, Chief of Staff, Assemblywoman Joan Millman’s Office (718) 246-4889
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•Tobias Russo, Regional Rep. Governor’s Office (212) 681-4580