By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Despite concerns there may be too much monkeying around at the Monkey Room Bar and Lounge in Hudson Heights, a Community Board 12 committee voted to recommend renewing its liquor license.
Several residents came to the board’s Economic Development committee meeting to complain the club’s patrons continue to carouse outside its location at 589 Fort Washington Avenue when the bar lets out at 4 a.m., screaming and carrying on and often getting into fights on the block.
"People pour out onto the streets screaming and when we complain they say 'You can’t tell me what to do, you’re not my mother,'" said one resident at the Tuesday night meeting.
Board member Cheryl Pahaham voiced concerns about the bar's ability to respond to community complaints and asked the owner how he plans to address issues in the future.
"When we approve these licenses we create a permanent nuisance in the community, there are things that owners can do to reduce noise, double parking and other problems," she said. Pahaham ultimately voted against the renewal.
Owner Jacob Sosa said that over the past several years he's worked to address community concerns stemming from his establishment.
"I will even give these residents my cell phone number for them to call me with any problems at anytime," he said. "I’m willing to work with the community."
CB12 will vote on the committee’s resolution at its full board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
The community board's votes on liquor licenses are only advisory; the State Liquor Authority has the final say.
