Yesterday the first of two State Liquor Authority hearings on the fate of the Barclays Center’s license was held and, not surprisingly, Atlantic Yards Report was on the scene for the play-by-play and analysis. The hearings come after both local community boards had given their conditioned approvals–but only in the absence of disclosure by arena operators revealed that some parts of the arena would serve alcohol as late as 2 a.m. While just three people made the trek to Harlem yesterday to express their opposition, arena brass showed up with more than 50 letters of support. Notably, neither Community Board 2 nor 6 sent representatives to ask for a chance to revisit their initial votes of support in light of the failure to disclose the late-night drinking plans. FCR’s head of external affairs did say this on the topic: “The Community Boards feel like we were sensitive to their concerns, agreed to many of the stipulations, and expressed a willingness to continue to work together. I believe they have corresponded directly with Michael Jones [of SLA]…that they may potentially want to reopen things, but at this point their position is we were sensitive to their concerns.” A rep for state Senator Velmanette Montgomery did appear to argue that the “arena is truly unique in its proximity to a residential neighborhood,” and that post-game drinking at the arena could cause local bars to stay open later, causing “a tremendous change in the character of the neighborhood.” The second hearing is on June 20. Lots more details from last night’s meeting at AYR.


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