New Haven Independent

Grand Fights Dominoes; Westville Fights Bar

by Thomas MacMillan | November 14, 2008 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)

A new Grand Avenue social club on Grand Avenue wants to have alcohol at its dominoes tournaments. Neighbors (pictured) fear the mix will exacerbate drug and prostitution problems already in their midst.

The fight over drinking and dominoes on Grand Avenue was one of two disagreements in two different neighborhoods over serving alcohol that surfaced at Wednesday night’s meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Neighbors from the other side of town, in Westville, showed up to try to stop the opening of a new bar on Fitch Street, near Southern Connecticut University.

Both groups of neighbors, on Grand Avenue and in Westville, are concerned that new drinking establishments will bring unsavory elements to their area.

Neither of the two requests were voted on at the meeting. The board will vote on them at its December meeting.

Grand Avenue

Roberto Perez (at right in picture) is the head of the Caitano Social Club, an organization of about 25 dominos enthusiasts in New Haven. Currently the club gets together to play at members’ houses, but they plan to open a new permanent location at 900 Grand Ave. (pictured below).

Perez appeared before the BZA with Frank Alvarado (at left in picture), director of the Spanish American Merchants Association, to seek a non-profit liquor license to serve alcohol at their dominoes tournaments.

They told the board that they plan to operate the club Thursday through Sunday nights, from 6 p.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m. They plan to hold regular tournaments against other dominoes teams from towns like Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, and possibly even as far away as Springfield, Mass.

With two 17-member teams playing in a tournament, plus spouses and guests, Alvarado estimated that they might have as many as 50 people in the social club at one time. He stressed that there will be no live entertainment.

When the time came for the public to speak out on the matter, over 20 people raised their hands in opposition to the dominoes club.

Bev Mcclure came out to the meeting with her 90-year-old mother, whom she lives with on St John Street. Among a list of concerns about the social club, Mcclure mentioned that there would be a pool table in the club, that people would be gathering in the parking lot to smoke, and that there are a number of social service agencies in the area, like Project Apoyo, that would be adversely affected by the presence of a late-night drinking establishment.

“Part of the charm of New Haven is the presence of lovely neighborhoods in walking distance of downtown,” said Phil Hull, of Wooster Square. This charm is due to the fact that “neighbors work very hard to maintain their neighborhood,” Hull continued, saying that the social club would run counter to these efforts.

Hull said he couldn’t imagine that people playing “games of backgammon” would be enough to sustain a club. “I wonder what else they’ll be doing,” he said.

Steven Garbus, of St John Street, expressed concern about “noise spillover” from the club and its parking lot. “It’s just not clear what’s going to happen in there in terms of noise and activities,” he said.

“It’s a quality of life issue,” Alexander Bragg (pictured in top photo, at far left) said. “We do not need this in our neighborhood.”

Bragg was one of several neighbors that saw the presence of a dominoes club as part and parcel of a series of issues that the neighborhood is trying to counteract. He mentioned the young parents in the neighborhood and his concern for their children, growing up around gunshots, prostitution, and drug paraphernalia and used condoms in the park.

Given the opportunity to respond to the neighbors’ concerns, Alvarado stressed that the social club is not a bar. He said that “there might be a couple of smokers outside to have a cigarette,” but that overall it will be a quiet establishment.

After the meeting, Bragg was unconvinced. He again voiced his opposition to the social club.

Westville Battle Continues

Carlos Pena (at left in picture) plans to open a new bar at 50 Fitch St. in Westville, the site of several past bars which became magnets for trouble. His plans have drawn the ire of locals, who contend that he’s marketing the bar — to be called Soco’s — directly at Southern Connecticut University students and encouraging binge drinking. (See previous independent coverage here and here).

Pena showed up at the Hall of Records on Wednesday night with attorney Timothy Lee (at right in picture) to request permission to serve alcohol at his new bar/restaurant. Describing it as a “relatively modest proposal,” Lee explained that Soco’s will be a 72-seat establishment, comprising 62 restaurant seats and 10 at the bar.

Lee said that Pena put together an “entertainment and security plan” in response to neighborhood concerns about underage drinking. The plan states that no one under 18 will be allowed in the bar, that patrons over 21 will be given a non-transferable bracelet, and that there will be a laser scanner for IDs at the door. There will be live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and Pena will hire off-duty police officers to help out with security during special events.

Lee argued that Pena’s past experience as a successful manager of Cosi restaurant in New Haven has shown that he can handle drinking and crowds. He said that the combination of Pena’s experience and his security plan would ensure that Soco’s would run smoothly.

Beaver Hills Alders Carl Goldfield and Tom Lehtonen were the first of a line of people to speak up in opposition to the bar.

“This is not in the interest of the public welfare,” Goldfield said. He said that Westville does not need another bar, and that that location has historically been problematic for drinking establishments. (Click here about problems with another nearby bar, and click here for the story of a murder last year outside a bar in the same location.)

“This does not help the university,” said Steve Judd, a professor at Southern and resident of Westville. He said that Pena is “trying to encourage binge drinking among college students.”

“My institution is the target of the marketing plan,” said Ron Heron (at right in picture), vice president of student affairs at Southern. Heron mentioned that the new bar’s original Facebook page had encouraged Southern students to “walk to Soco, and stumble home.” Saying that he was “deeply concerned about our youth,” Heron urged the board to vote no on the new bar.

“Crown Street is enough,” Heron said, referring to the popular college bars that line Crown Street, making it a party spot on weekend nights.

Taking the microphone a second time for his rebuttal, Attorney Lee again brought up Pena’s successful management of Cosi, saying that he has had no complaints in the two years that he’s run it. As for the problems that previous bars have caused, Lee said, “I ask that you not hold the sins of predecessors at this location against Mr Pena.”

After the meeting, Heron elaborated on his charge that Pena was marketing to college students. He said that Soco was advertising drink specials and drinking games popular with college kids, and that these features had been removed from the Facebook page only after locals objected.

Professor Judd said that Pena’s record of success with Cosi was not relevant. “This isn’t Cosi’s. That was a lunch place,” he said. “This is a different animal.”

Judd said that the last bar at 50 Fitch St. (pictured) had “devolved into such a crime-ridden place” that Southern students didn’t go there.

“You don’t plan to open a dive bar,” Judd said. “But it happens.”

“It’s not a dive bar,” Pena said, moments later. “It’s a restaurant… the vast majority is a restaurant.” He added that the inside was being completely remodeled.

Pena said that in an effort to “be a good neighbor” he reached out to the neighborhood on a “proactive basis.” When he heard of the complaints about the Facebook page, Pena said he removed all non-food references immediately.

“We responded to that with no hesitation,” said Pena, before defending his marketing plan. “Many restaurants advertise drink specials,” he said. “Does that mean that those restaurants promote binge drinking?”

Pena said that all his staff is TIPS certified and that the bar will have a “robust system” of ID verification.

Asked when he’d like to open, Pena deadpanned: “Tonight.” He said that even if he is denied a liquor license, he plans to open.

“I have to,” he said, explaining that he’s invested too much in the new bar to pull out now.

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Comments

Posted by: jdavis | November 14, 2008 9:03 AM

dominoes? you are opposing a dominoes establishment? I also live on St John, and grand street is a real eye sore... because there is nothing there! Having any type of consistent establishment there is better than what we have now? and the argument about maintaining a quiet neighborhood is bogus, because Grand Street is zoned for commercial, not residential. To have a proper working neighborhood you need retailers, shops, and even clubs. The reason we have the drug problem there is because there is NO ONE on that street after dark! let them play their game, have their drinks, and have fun! Welcome to the neighborhood!
I swear people, get over yourselves!

Posted by: cat | November 14, 2008 9:04 AM

"I wonder what else they will be doing"

Are you kidding? These are old men who want to play dominoes and have some spirits like in the old country...What is this neighbor implying? We never understand and welcome things are outside the realm of our culture.
Build some more riduculously priced condos and everyone will be happy.

Posted by: robn | November 14, 2008 9:16 AM

maybe its a good idea for students of legal age to have someplace that they can walk to to drink...instead of driving downtown.

Posted by: It takes a village | November 14, 2008 9:38 AM

When the time came for the public to speak out on the matter, over 20 people raised their hands in opposition to the dominoes club.

"Part of the charm of New Haven is the presence of lovely neighborhoods in walking distance of downtown," said Phil Hull, of Wooster Square. This charm is due to the fact that "neighbors work very hard to maintain their neighborhood," Hull continued, saying that the social club would run counter to these efforts.

Hull said he couldn't imagine that people playing "games of backgammon" would be enough to sustain a club. "I wonder what else they'll be doing," he said.

Steven Garbus, of St John Street, expressed concern about "noise spillover" from the club and its parking lot. "It's just not clear what's going to happen in there in terms of noise and activities," he said.

"It's a quality of life issue," Alexander Bragg (pictured in top photo, at far left) said. "We do not need this in our neighborhood."
What about the new" JOKER'S WILD"club opening on Wooster street or the social club that was shut down on Wooster Street for illegal gambling? Quality of life should be an issue for everyone :I don't see a vacant building that was a haven for drug use,squatters and a murder as a better optionfor Grand Ave..The restaurants and night life on Wooster Street already account for noise and traffic,but have become welcome because they bring a joyful noise of people enjoying culture together.The same can be said for the soccer fields on the Boulevard.If rules are established and followed why is this club different?If they are breaking the law fine them or shut them down as you would any other.I see this as a chance for adults to be off the street corner and if a league develops teach kids some games in the afternoons or saturdays.Also,how about that noise from the school construction on Water Street or the highway ramps?

Posted by: fairhavener | November 14, 2008 9:41 AM

Before December the people should write there alderpeople not to allow this Domininos club...
we are little by little trying around New Haven to clean up private clubs that stay open late drug activity in or outside of these clubs and lets not forget johns and prostitues..
we need a better quality of life in New Haven....

Posted by: JCP | November 14, 2008 10:04 AM

I agree with CAT and JDAVIS. How can so many people support the building of luxury condo towers yet be dismissive of a club for dominoe players? What is there to fear about a pool table? What would happen if someone wanted to open a wine and cheese bar? Would the neighbors be upset about that? I guess New Haven is a place where people can't do their laundry and play dominoes. (Not to mention going to sports bars--RIP TK's)

Posted by: cedarhillresident | November 14, 2008 10:18 AM

fairhavener
Brought up a very good point. When a place gets a private club license their is no set closing time. It will most likely be an all night place. I agree what can a few old men playing domino and drinking do. Well this club will have to pay its bills and guess what a few old men will not bring the money in. They will, I promise turn it into an after hours club. Be careful people.

Posted by: Lance | November 14, 2008 10:45 AM

Zoning battles are nothing new. Often times approval is more about what connections you have in City Hall and the ZB. Both places will bring trouble, but folks also have a right to open a business in a free market economy. I don't think allowing these businesses could make New Haven any worse than it already is. One of these days people will wise up and boot DeStefano and DeLauro out so we can turn the streets back over to the taxpayers.

By the way, whoever said Grand Avenue has nothing to offer has never been to Ferraro's market. For me personally, once I get past the fact that I'm one of the few customers using actual money and not the government food stamp silver EBT card, I have a great time when I'm there. I also see a ton of the Italian posse stocking up there as well. The link an ad on the NH Register web site. If you want to support local business, that is a great place to do it.

Posted by: build our city | November 14, 2008 1:13 PM

Come on folks -

The city will never reach its potential if we keep finding ways to deny people who want to develop in it.

A dominos club bringing in a bad element? Worries about late nights? Grant them a limited permit. It would be great to bring a little foot traffic to that part of Grand Ave.

And the worry that 10 bar seats will encourage binge drinking at Southern. Get real. Those who will drink irresponsibly are going to do it with or without this restaurant. Let's get some tax dollars here.

The same can be said for the laundry on Whalley. Do we really want to chase away a business? I'm sure the current laundry company wants to discourage competition but bringing options for that service to the locals has to be positive.

Posted by: Mikep | November 14, 2008 2:22 PM

Shouldn't we be commending Mr. Pena for taking on personal financial risk in dire economic times to turn a dive bar into a fine restaurant bar with nice atmosphere? If he wanted a repeat of Jacks, he wouldn't have renovated it. Common sense says that he'll run his business with care and diligence to protect its $100,000 investment. The community has the opportunity to support this entrepreneur and make the establishment what they want it to be, instead of casting stones and doing nothing to improve the vacant run down space that existed.

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | November 14, 2008 3:07 PM

Upper Grand Ave. is a mess. It's traditionally been the place where the City dumps uses it thinks it must accomodate but which would not be acceptable in other neighborhoods. So a bunch of half-way houses and social service agencies are allowed to be there on a more or less ad hoc basis by ZBA fiat.

Franks Paint & Hardware was great. It was a family business that had been there for decades. It served a real purpose but it had to close. Smart developers have transformed that old store building into 9 loft condos (5 of which have been sold), a ground floor studio and a high class law office. What's wrong with that? Maybe at long last, the street is turning around and will produce some benefit for the City.

If viable condo developments adding $millions in asssessed valuation can be built there, why not try to encourage that kind of development? A domonoes club bringing players (gamblers?) and drinkers (after hours?) from out-of-town playing, gambling and drinking into the wee hours of the morning isn't going to enhance a neighborhood finally being developed in a rational way and bringing assessed value into the City. It will just encourage bums, drunks, fights, prostitutes, bad traffic, soak up valuable police time, and scare the real City wealth enhancing projects away. Taxpayers will, in the end pay the bill!

Plus it's crowding a lot of stuff and people into a basement. That could encourage overcrowding and possible tragedy.

Please ZBA: don't let them do this! It's a really dumb idea!

Posted by: Bob | November 14, 2008 3:40 PM

The problem with this country is there aren't enough social gathering places, people stay in their backyards and home watching tv too much. I have attended several Italian-American clubs that have bars, pool tables and bocce courts. There are very few problems that occur at these clubs.

Posted by: jdavis | November 14, 2008 5:40 PM

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK-

that was the most uptight, rigid, pessimistic, bad attitude statement i have heard in a long time. Have you ever played dominoes and had a drink and thought to yourself... "i think i am going to do drugs, pick up so prostitutes, and start a fight in this crowded basement!" No, you haven't. and to assume that others, or this place will "encourage" such activities because there is "bar" there is ludicrous. There is NOTHING on this street worth going too. My wife and I WILL NOT WALK DOWN THIS STREET EVER! And the fact that I know that there will be 70 people, playing an equivalent game of bingo nearby might actually change my mind. Also this could bring other places in to fill up the street. Bragging that they have sold just 50% of the condos in over a year is really nothing to be proud of, although i am glad its there. But suggesting that everything has to be high end condos is obviously not the answer because they cannot even sell out that they have now. and the reason no one is buying them is because [once again] THERE IS NOTHING THERE]!!!

GET OVER YOURSELF!

Posted by: LTMIKE | November 14, 2008 6:52 PM

If a building is being leased and used it is much better than being vacant. There are bars in close vicinity on Water and Hamilton Streets. You have multiple package stores. More than a game club meeting and having a couple of beers over some intense games is far better than all the homeless going to 645 Grand Ave and littering the streets with empty vodka, beer, and mouth wash bottles they consume. Having a large enough meeting place to play dominoes, darts, poker, backgammon, chess, pool, what have you is not going to bring in an element that is going to disrupt your quality of life! People need to get over themselves. I live in East Shore and we have the Annex Club that has been there as long as I remember. There are stags and all kinds of activities that take place there and I live in very close proximity and have never, let me repeat EVER had a problem with that club there. I work right down the street and welcome the group to the neighborhood! By the way, are they looking for new members, that is one game I never learned?

Posted by: mary rosario | November 14, 2008 8:42 PM

Please people a bunch of older men getting together to play Dominoes some one said just like the old country let them play.

Posted by: Anna | November 14, 2008 11:11 PM

Dominoes? What in the world is New Haven coming to? You people can't begin to fathom the danger. POOL? If you thought prostitution and crack were bad, just you wait. Pretty soon people will want to play Bridge and Gin Rummy. They might bring in Monopoly and Scrabble, heck, they could even want to play Bingo or Chutes and Ladders! Who will be laughing then?

I think the zoning in Westville should be changed to chase out all tax-paying businesses that don't serve fast food, especially places where people might get a decent meal. And fun? Are you kidding me? Why should college students have someplace fun within walking distance of campus, when we could encourage them to drive drunk? I propose that from now on, only Mennonites be admitted to SCSU. I hear they only do laundry by hand.

Posted by: jade | November 15, 2008 4:34 PM

robn...keeping kids from driving drunk is a good idea. having them walk home in this (my) neighborhood IS NOT...my nephew was walking home from WHAT! bar (same neighborhood) a few weeks ago with his buddy after midnight and they were held up at gunpoint. this issue should be addressed in this discussion as well!

Posted by: jade | November 15, 2008 4:51 PM

mikep...from my understanding, the owner first told the neighborhood that he was opening a family restaurant. then the facebook page, then targeting scsu students. if the man was not upfront with us from the start, don't you think it's logical we are mistrusting of him? i personally would LOVE an upscale restaurant where i can get a good quality cocktail. we don't need another student bar where we won't want to go. we already have 4 of those in our neighborhood!

Posted by: The Truth | November 15, 2008 6:23 PM

This story and the one on a laundromat on Whalley ring together. New Haven should be renamed Nimby Haven. Places in the south where 'people cling to their religion and guns' are lucky. They are more broad minded than the good ol'boys here.

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | November 16, 2008 2:45 PM

JDavis
Where have you been these last 5 decades. "Social clubs" in the Wooster area have been closed time and again for being fronts illegal activity. Nobody cares whether you drag your knuckles down Grand Ave.

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | November 16, 2008 2:49 PM

Posted by: Walt | November 17, 2008 6:25 AM

I think they should warn the dominos players that the area where they want their facility can be quite dangerous.

The domino folks are at much more risk than are those protesting against this seemingly harmless operation.

Posted by: jdavis | November 17, 2008 5:51 PM

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK-
for having a name such as yours you seem to be in favor of using our tax money on this debate. I hate it when people like you think they know what's better for the community more than the community knows. Unless you own the land, have recently become really good at dominoes, or hold some type of office in new haven then I think you should just let them do what they want. That dreaded "not in my back yard syndrome" can be easily cured by buying the land yourself and redeveloping it however you choose.

Grand Fights Dominoes; Westville Fights Bar

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