A new chapter is developing in the ongoing conflict between nightlife and local community boards. The Roxy, one of the last major clubs of the 80’s and 90’s is trying to reopen. This week an initial meeting was held to secure the all important liquor license. Later this month, community board 4 will meet to vote on their recommendation to the State Liquor Authority. Will this vote mark a turning point in the nightlife landscape or will the industry be dealt another tough blow?
Roxy was one of the premier clubs in the city, mentioned in the same breath as Limelight, Palladium and Studio 54. Unlike most of those venues, it managed to stay open until 2007 even though it was a magnet for local complaints. When the club closed, industry insiders expected the space to be sold to real estate developers who would turn the space into condos and office space. That doesn’t seem to be happening. Either the real estate deal fell through or the owners saw another good reason to try and reopen the club. The question now is whether the local community board will agree.
Residential real estate developments have been encroaching on areas traditionally occupied by nightlife. You only have to look at the condos going up in the Lower East Side, The Meatpacking District and Chelsea to see evidence of the condos replacing the clubs. There are fewer spaces for large clubs and more demands to curtail nightlife for the sake of new affluent residents. We think New York needs clubs like the Roxy, if only for the roller skating parties. This might be the time for us to contact the SLA and tell them what we think.
Roxy was one of the premier clubs in the city, mentioned in the same breath as Limelight, Palladium and Studio 54. Unlike most of those venues, it managed to stay open until 2007 even though it was a magnet for local complaints. When the club closed, industry insiders expected the space to be sold to real estate developers who would turn the space into condos and office space. That doesn’t seem to be happening. Either the real estate deal fell through or the owners saw another good reason to try and reopen the club. The question now is whether the local community board will agree.
Residential real estate developments have been encroaching on areas traditionally occupied by nightlife. You only have to look at the condos going up in the Lower East Side, The Meatpacking District and Chelsea to see evidence of the condos replacing the clubs. There are fewer spaces for large clubs and more demands to curtail nightlife for the sake of new affluent residents. We think New York needs clubs like the Roxy, if only for the roller skating parties. This might be the time for us to contact the SLA and tell them what we think.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment