Parish hopes for salvation for Vilnius Church Continued from page 15
website. The developer listed on the building permit, KSK Construction Group, filed plans for the 60,800-square foot project through architects Builtd. New York YIMBY reported that the new owner bought the small walk-up next to the church for $12.3 million. The website also mentioned that the project will not have an affordable component under the Hudson Square rezoning, since “the one-third density bonus [which would raise the F.A.R., or floor-area ratio, from nine to 12] is not enough to compel the developer to participate in the inclusionary housing program.” “I think one of the things that I find hurtful, questionable, is that they’re selling the properties and it’s not like they’re building affordable housing. Where does the money go? ” said Elaine Derso, the chairperson of the Save Our Lady of Vilnius Committee. Extell also bought the former
rectory at 32 Dominick St., behind the church, although the building was landmarked two years ago along with 34 and 36 Dominick St. The rectory is now listed for sale as a single-family townhouse with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Blaudziunas said the church’s function went beyond religious services. “We used to have a lot of events in the basement there — artists, musicians, you name it — and especially for younger people, because there’s no other place to gather,” he said. “Why could we not keep our community center? They said the Hudson Square development would revitalize the area,” he added, referring to the rezoning of the Hudson Square, the area above Canal St. and west of Sixth Ave., in 2013 to allow more residential use, a move he spoke out against at a City Council hearing at the time. “If the application is submitted, of course it will be approved. So we just need to somehow say goodbye
to our effort and the history of our community… . But we’re still thinking because you never know. It’s still standing after seven-plus years, so it’s already a miracle,” Blaudziunas said. However, Derso said the committee still has some fight left. “We’re in the process of making some plans, I’m not sure exactly what or when,” she said. “But we figure, if the building is gonna go out with a bang, so should we!” Blaudziunas noted, however, that the committee has not been active since the civil court case was lost in 2011. He said a Save Our Lady of Vilnius Initiative includes him and six other members, among them Rita Stelmokiene, who also leads the prayers on the church’s steps. Their goal, Blaudziunas said, is to “save and reuse the building as a historic site of Lithuanian national heritage.” Blaudziunas said the longtime owner of the building next door to the church was another ex-parishioner and only sold after the offers became irresistible.
“It seems part of this wholesale transformation of New York by the real estate market,” said Nakraseive. The church was completed in 1910, built by Lithuanian longshoremen and their families who lived in the area before the tunnel’s construction in the ’20s uprooted them, seeing them resettle in the Bronx and suburbs. Nakraseive said she is also worried for other parishes because it seems “it’s all of the small, closely knit ethnic churches that the archdiocese is seeking to close.” Cardinal Dolan recently pushed back to late October his announcement of the next wave of church mergers and closures. The archdiocese is closing churches to consolidate underused houses of worship in an initiative called “Making all things new.” One of those at risk of demolition is the Garment District’s Church of the Holy Innocents, the city’s last church offering Mass in Latin. “I call it ‘Making all things condo,’ ” Derso said bitterly.
Conflict continues over liquor licences Continued from page 6
tially is there would not be dancing, but that you wanted a cabaret license in case someone was moved by the music and got up and danced, the articles you sent me that praised your place, called it a dance palace,” said Ehrlich. “We do not have a designated dance floor,” said Horowitz, who may apply for a cabaret license. “What you told was one thing, what you’ve been doing is something else,” said Ehrlich. “We’re having a hard time. It’s really hard to make money,” said Horowitz, referring to the high rent in Tribeca and operating costs. The committee approved earlier hours for brunch, but said Horowitz would have to come back later for an extension of the late hours. For over 45 minutes, the liquor license for a new Korean BBQ restaurant that will inhabit the former space of Lilly O’Brien’s and Bradys Tavern at 67 Murray St. was DowntownExpress.com
discussed. The 74-seat venue will have tables that will allow patrons to cook their own meat, a bar and seven karaoke rooms in the cellar. One of owners, Andy Lau, also co-owns BonChon Chicken at 104 John St. and lives on that street as well. Committee member Adam Malitz spoke to the character of the owners and praised BonChon. Initially asking for 3 a.m., the partners of the new venture acquiesced to midnight and 1 a.m. with the provision that different closing hours could be on the table at a later time. Dennis Spates, who has lived at 67 Murray St. for 22 years, was asked by his neighbors at 67, 69, and 71 Murray St. to speak on their behalf. “We had a horrendous experience with Bradys Tavern and then with Lilly O’Brien’s,” said Spates. “I welcome the new restaurant and hopefully you’ll be good neighbors. We hope that you’ll beautify that space that has been an eyesore for a
long time.” With 14 liquor licenses on Murray St. from Broadway to Greenwich St., Spates said the street “gradually and alarmingly, it’s become Bourbon St.” Spates listed concerns about the karaoke rooms, the hours, the smoke exhaust that may emanate from the restaurant, the signage, the maintenance of the sidewalk and the noise. “When Bradys and Lilly O’Brien’s had their musical events, the building shook,” he said. Tamara Downey, who lives at 71 Murray St., brought five letters from her neighbors who are worried about late closing times and the exhaust that will be expelled. Construction has begun on the restaurant, which is slated to open in March. The owners said the karaoke rooms will be soundproof and that they — not the patrons — will have control of the volume. “We never had anyone come in with seven karaoke machines. It’s a completely unique situation,” said
committee member Marc Ameruso. “I don’t see how I can vote in favor of this without having more substantial information in how these machines are going to affect — not your customers — the neighbors.” Lau has been before C.B. 1 before and said applying for a liquor license for BonChon in the Financial District had been easier. “It was a different experience,” said Lau later in a phone interview. Because Tribeca has the most active nightlife of the Board 1 neighborhoods, its committee tends to scrutinize liquor licenses more skeptically. Ultimately, the Tribeca Committee wanted a lot more information about the designs of the karaoke rooms and the restaurant itself, and the owners will come back to the next meeting. “It’s a flood that you can’t stop,” said Bob Townley, a committee member. “I’m not optimistic about the streets of Tribeca. Who owns the space? Capitalism.” September 25-October 8, 2014
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