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
Rob, let me slightly rephrase what I said. The community board is an advisory group, the first contact one has between the community and the city. It is their job to filter through complaints and requests that come before it, and pass advisory rulings on to the appropriate city and state agencies. So if the CB nixes your project, it probably won’t get any higher than that, as said agencies take their recommendations seriously. If you are well connected enough, you can probably go over their heads, but most people, like those who want to open bars, are not. Someone like Ratner is a whole other story. If Ms Supris wanted to rent the space next door to expand her coffee shop, and the landlord agreed to rent it to her, the community board really couldn’t say squat. They couldn’t say squat if she opened a nail salon, either. It’s only regulated businesses that they make rulings on.
I wish Daphne and her business(es) success. One of my friends is part owner of Amarachi on Franklin. While well-intentioned as a neighborhood bar, early on they had issues with some of the patrons. The way that this can be addressed is simply to make it a venue that does not appeal to them. Establish a price point, ambiance/decor or a following that falls outside of the interests of the unwanted crowd and you’ll have a successful business. Look at what Saraghina has done in the area.
“I would ask him the same. but we instead have ripped and possibly twisted his 9 words.”
A racist statement can be made in one word, nine words or a million words.
“Why do I need a dictionary you know wat I am saying”
QOTD
g-man – my own CB has meetings starting at 5.30pm or 6pm. There’s no way I’m getting out of work early enough to make it there. In fact if I did get out that early I’d be off to the bar anyway.
“The comment that the person made at the meeting was not racist. You have only proven how racist you are.”
Please don’t tell that to my biracial kids.
Dave-
I would ask you to explain what you mean by that statement.
So far the person that made the “look like us” statement has not come onto this chat.
I would ask him the same. but we instead have ripped and possibly twisted his 9 words.
All types of business should be encouraged everywhere.
Why do I need a dictionary you know wat I am saying,
I’ve never said otherwise, Benson.
oh? so the community board has control over what can and can’t open? well then that sucks. i honestly just thought it was a bunch of nimby types venting about the things they dont like. and yes, if this opened up, there is no doubt it would do well.
the community board in little italy are a bunch of freaks as well. there’s always posters all over trying to keep things from opening up.
*rob*
Rob, don’t put words in my mouth. I said they were pricey, but I also said they were doing a brisk business, so price isn’t an issue for their customers. I spent money in there, and would do so again, because a treat every once in a while keeps one sane.
I think it’s a great business, and I would welcome her to open another one in my nabe. In fact, if she’s reading this, there is an opening in Crown Heights. Seriously.