Despite Objections, CB3 Backs Bed Stuy Bar
Daphne Surpris, who has operated the impeccably designed coffee spot Ms. Dahlia’s Cafe at 449 Nostrand Ave since last year, recently decided that she would like to expand by opening a bar in an empty space next door. You might think such an entrepreneurial move by someone who’d proven her commitment to the neighborhood and…
Daphne Surpris, who has operated the impeccably designed coffee spot Ms. Dahlia’s Cafe at 449 Nostrand Ave since last year, recently decided that she would like to expand by opening a bar in an empty space next door. You might think such an entrepreneurial move by someone who’d proven her commitment to the neighborhood and her ability to create a tasteful establishment would be welcomed by Bed Stuy residents, but a Community Board 3 meeting on Monday night revealed widespread disagreement within the community about the bar in particular and the future of the neighborhood in general. Some of those in favor of the application said they were tired of going to Park Slope and Harlem to find “more sophisticated bars.” Other supporters argued that the community should be backing an African American woman wanting to open a business in the area. (“We should be supporting someone who looks like us,” said one person from the audience.) One of the arguments against the bar was that there are some schools nearby, though it was later pointed out that the closest one was an adult learning center. Others worried that adding alcohol to an already dangerous block (dangerous? really?) had the potential to increase violence in the area. A man in his late 20s, whose parents lived nearby, argued that he didn’t want them to worry about the same type of violence he felt growing up nearby. Despite the naysaying, the community board ended up supporting the application for the liquor license, so now it’s on to the State Liquor Authority for Surpris, who, ironically, plans to call the new spot Nobar. GMAP
By gs3 on June 9, 2010 11:56 AM
Will they have any caricatures of white people on the walls???
You did say this Dave.
please explain
That was snark. Someone noted a few weeks ago, in jest, that there were no pictures of brothers on the walls of Saraghina.
Now answer my question.
MM et al,
I sort of agree with you, and I am happy that a nice upscale place is opening on Nostrand, a block from where I now live. But I think the division is more class than race, and in Bed-Stuy, the overwhelming majority of poor people are not white (or Asian, like my daughter and your wife, Biff).
The last few years I lived in Clinton Hill, I used to do my laundry at the store where the Choice on Greene Ave. now stands. After that one closed, I did my laundry on Fulton St. just east of St. James Place, a storefront that is (I think) now empty and looking for a more upscale tenant.
Gentrification is tough on working-class and poor people, and the more that wealthier people move into this part of Bed-Stuy, the more likely it is that lifelong working-class renters in this nabe will have to move to a place that is much less pleasant to live and less convenient and less safe. I sort of like the new Clinton Hill but I can’t afford to live there anymore. Southwestern Bed-Stuy is not there yet but I remember when a brownstone on Cambridge Place and Greene Ave. went for $300k. Not that many years ago, and the person who bought it didn’t have to charge $2500 for a 1-bedroom apartment at the parlor level or on the top floor.
It’s a shame that it’s all or nothing.
By gs3 on June 9, 2010 11:54 AM
I would ask you to explain what you mean by that statement.
You know exactly what I meant.
I meant that there should be more white-owned businesses instead of more black ones.
Just like the original statement meant there should be more businesses of that woman’s color (no matter wht it is).
Response????? Don’t dodge this one gs3, you’re in too deep already and your arguments are really not very logical.
Will they have any caricatures of white people on the walls???
You did say this Dave.
please explain
I would ask you to explain what you mean by that statement.
Or more cracker-owned businesses?
quote:
It’s only regulated businesses that they make rulings on.
ah, gotcha! thanks. other than liquor establishments, what are others? music venues and stuff like that?
*rob*
gs3…you never answered my question…..
By daveinbedstuy on June 9, 2010 11:23 AM
gs3, what would your response be if I stood up and said we need more white owned businesses in bed Stuy?????
I’m waiting.
By gs3 on June 9, 2010 11:36 AM
Dave-
Why do I need a dictionary you know wat I am saying,
Q.E.D.