Letter to the Editor of the Downtown Express

The following has been sent for consideration to the editor for the next issue, March 20-26 .

Re: ‘Club Remix gets liquor license’ (March 13-19):

We residents of Murray Street, Church Street and Park Place and surrounding homes suggest the owners of Remix try living in our neighborhood before they say their club is not a nuisance.

We are greatly saddened to hear for the first time that the dozens and dozens of citizen calls to police over issues caused by Remix making conditions for homes that surround the club uninhabitable are just now coming to light. There is obviously a flaw in the 311 system and 911 which seemingly does not follow up to alert the 1^st precinct about such neighborhood violations.

Must we follow in the footsteps of neighbors of Peppers/Eros/Deco on Leonard Street? At recent meetings with the 1^st Precinct detectives, East Tribeca residents were told the ‘good news’ is that someone finally has been stabbed, inside rather than outside, the Leonard Street club. Why do we have to wait for a disaster to get attention to this serious matter?

What is the real purpose of hearing from the community over liquor licensing these establishments when community input is so blatantly disregarded?

Clearly stated in the ABC laws; Article 8; Revocation of license for just cause. Section 118, # 3:

As used in this section, the term "for cause" shall also include

the existence of a sustained and continuing pattern of noise,

disturbance, misconduct, or disorder on or about the licensed premises,

related to the operation of the premises or the conduct of its patrons,

which adversely affects the health, welfare or safety of the inhabitants

of the area in which such licensed premises are located.

If the State Liquor Authority were to honestly solicit community input, and the law was followed, such establishments would be made to be better neighbors.

Sincerely,

Suellen Epstein and the Murray Street Block Association

Neighbor

Amy Gross 49 Murray Street - will represent 49 Murray Street Condo

Letter of Intent - Murray Street Block Association

Murray Street, though short and narrow, is home to many people and many businesses. It has undergone significant change in the last few years, including construction and renovation of numerous buildings and influx of new residents and commercial enterprises. Because this trend is certain to continue, it is in the best interest of those who currently live and work on Murray Street to ensure that further growth and change occurs with our constructive input.

Murray Street Block Association creates a mechanism whereby our concerns can be discussed and presented to Community Board 1 (and its various committees) and local politicians with sufficient weight to influence outcomes. It would address issues as diverse as beautification of Murray Street; sanitation; zoning issues that have an impact on new development; noise levels at night; dealing in advance with potentially dangerous construction problems, including the presence of cranes; general safety matters; and others.

As density on Murray Street increases, it is advantageous to have this forum through which differences of opinion could be amicably discussed.

We invite all interested parties that live or work on Murray Street to join in this block association. Membership is free, and participation will be at one’s own comfort level. If you are interested, please reply with your name, Murray Street address and email address, and whether you live or work or enjoy the use of businesses on Murray Street.

Please pass this blog address to neighbors for which it will be of interest to participate in a dialogue with their neighbors.

Sincerely,

Suellen Epstein - 9 Murray Street

Robert Krauss - 41 Murray Street

Loretta Thomas - 67 Murray Street

Amy Gross - 49 Murray Street

We would like to include you on the list !