Atlantic Yards Concerns Block the Approval of Arts Space Liquor License

Roulette, a new experimental arts and avant-garde music space located in the ground floor of the YWCA on Atlantic and Third avenues, is dealing with community concerns before its doors have even officially opened.

The Barclays Center, opening soon just a few short blocks away at Atlantic Yards, has made residents extremely cautious about what new businesses and establishments open nearby.

“Because of the coming arena there is a lot of sensitivity about the rise of commercial businesses in terms of bars and clubs,” said Howard Kolins, President of the Boerum Hill Association. “The community wants to make sure it has a large voice in terms of what gets approved and under what conditions.”

And to that end, Community Board 2 recently voted down a liquor license application for the new branch of the formerly Manhattan based not-for-profit arts venue, which is slated to open on September 15.

“I am not against alcohol,” said Eric Albert, a resident. “I am, however, against the kind of behaviors that seem to aggregate around sporting venues.”

According to Rob Perris, the District Manager of CB2, members of the board were most concerned with the legality of where in the space alcohol would be consumed. He added that the two motions to approve the liquor license application stipulated where the alcohol could be consumed, and were not approved.

Supporters of Roulette insist that the institution has no connection with the sports scene surrounding Atlantic Yards.

“I think certain people are trying to set a precedent, which I understand, but they have to look at this as an individual request,” said Karen Zebulon, board member of the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation. “It’s not going to be a club, it is somebody having a glass of wine at intermission.”

Zebulon, who lives in the area and owns a business on the block, said that she and several other residents remember the “large private parties” that took place when the YWCA rented out the same space. Since Roulette plans to rent out the space as well, many fear that it will be difficult to keep these parties from getting out of hand. And while Zebulon is certain “that’s not what it’s going to be in any way,” others, including Albert, are not so sure.

“I don’t see a mechanism to control these things,” he said.

Roulette has signed a twenty year lease with the YWCA, and members of the community were glad to see a cultural institution rather than some of the other stores vying for the location, including a McDonalds.

“I think that it [Roulette] will be a great aspect of Boerum Hill,” said Kolins. “I would in no way refer to Roulette as a noisy bar or club.”

But Kolins also said the liquor license has made residents concerned with how it would be used.

Jim Staley, director of Roulette, is dedicated to working with the community to ensure that these large, out of control parties that residents are afraid of do not take place.

“We are working with the community board to make sure that there are some safe guards and restrictions to go along with what our lease has,” he said. He added that the liquor license that Roulette is applying for is “not any different from what BAM or any theaters in the area have.”

Perris confirmed that the board and Roulette are working together to “stipulate limitations that will address the community concerns.”

Roulette still hopes to obtain a liquor license, and since Community Board 2 is only advisory, they can still submit an application to the State Liquor Authority for approval.

Zebulon said Roulette is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

“It’s beautiful what they’ve done, they’ve restored the theater,” she said. “I’m happy that they’re here.”