By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
HELL'S KITCHEN — The nightclub Pink Elephant cleared an obstacle Wednesday when a Community Board 4 committee approved its bid for a liquor license on West 28th Street — saying that the clubs arrived there long before the new residents and businesses opposing the operation.
The nightclub's detractors, including luxury developers and some business and gallery owners, said Pink Elephant's 3,000-person capacity makes it inappropriate given the area's history of club-related crime.
The club's new space at 530 W. 28th St. is 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.
However, members of Board 4 pointed out that the clubs moved in well before many of the upscale condos and businesses that now dot the area.
"I wouldn't move to the Everglades and complain about the alligators," said committee member Maria "Sandy" Roldos.
After Pink Elephant owners David Sarner and Robert Montwaid agreed to help clean the block and limit occupancy at the property between 10th and 11th avenues, Board 4's liquor license committee agreed to support the nightclub's application to serve booze.
Pink Elephant, which also operates clubs in Brazil and the Hamptons, left its former home on West 27th Street in the fall of 2009 when the block had a reputation for rowdiness, violence and drug use.
While police later shuttered nearby clubs, including M2 Ultra Lounge, Sarner said his operation left to protect the brand from guilt by association.
"You can't throw the baby out with the bathwater and say they're all bad," said meeting attendee John Blair, a former club manager and one-time CB4 member. "The problem is not black and white."
Nonetheless, neighbors said they feared that trash, vomit and the possibility of police setting up barricades to control crowds would hurt their business.
To receive the committee's support, Sarner and Montwaid pledged to limit total nightly occupancy at the property — which includes a ballroom space for special weekend events and a smaller nightclub open seven days a week — to approximately 2,300 people.
Each night after closing, Pink Elephant employees will also clean the north side of 27th Street and the south side of 28th street between 10th and 11th avenues, as well as areas across the street that are most impacted by the crowds.
"Whether it's sweeping, bleaching or water hosing," Montwaid said, "give me an outlet, and I'll do it."
