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Pink Elephant Nightclub Looks to Land on Chelsea Block Once Notorious for Bad Behavior

By DNAinfo Staff on October 13, 2010 11:28am

The neighbors at Pink Elephant's proposed W. 28th Street location include Scores gentlemen's club, an unopened section of the High Line, a vacant lot guarded by barbed wire, and a luxury development.
The neighbors at Pink Elephant's proposed W. 28th Street location include Scores gentlemen's club, an unopened section of the High Line, a vacant lot guarded by barbed wire, and a luxury development.
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DNAinfo/Tara Kyle

By Tara Kyle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

CHELSEA — Exclusive nightclub Pink Elephant is eyeing a return to a Chelsea block once infamous for its rowdy crowds.

Pink Elephant, a one-time West 27th Street mainstay, is applying for a liquor license at 530 W. 28th St., the former home of M2 Ultra Lounge, which the city shut down in April amid allegations of drug use and dealing, illegal cigarette sales, and out-of-control violence.

The prospect of more nightlife returning to the area between Tenth and Eleventh avenues — home to Scores gentlemen's club, vacant lots guarded by barbed wire and attack dog signs, and a future entrance to the High Line park — has some neighbors concerned.

A developer of 540 W. 28th St., a luxury residential property currently holding open houses, was among those who spoke out at a meeting last week of Community Board 4.

Former 530 W. 28th Street tenant M2 Ultra Lounge came under fire from police who said it hosted rowdy, violent crowds.
Former 530 W. 28th Street tenant M2 Ultra Lounge came under fire from police who said it hosted rowdy, violent crowds.
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DNAinfo/Tara Kyle

"It took forever to get this area under control," board member Christine Berthet said at the meeting.

For that reason, and also because some neighbors seemed unaware of Pink Elephant's plans, Board 4's liquor license committee for Chelsea will revisit the application at a meeting Wednesday night.

Committee Chairman Paul Seres, however, said board members and public attendees should bear in mind that Pink Elephant is not M2, and has a much better record as an operator.

The nightclub's managers could not be reached for comment.

On West 28th Street Tuesday afternoon, some commercial neighbors appeared unfazed.

"If you look down 28th Street right now, it's pretty quiet and empty," said Michael Foley, owner of the Foley Gallery at 548 W. 28th St. "As long as it's clean, I don't see a problem."

But Foley acknowledged that, given incoming residential buildings and the new High Line section, which is slated for a spring 2011 opening, he anticipated competing interests in the neighborhood coming to a head.

Others weren't so concerned.

"Doesn't bother me," said Maria Smith, a 21-year-old employee of the high-end dealership Manhattan Motorcars just down the street. "There's a million other clubs around here."

Community Board 4's Business Licenses and Permits committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Intercontinental Times Square, 300 W. 44th St.