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Rowdy Pool Parties at Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel to Be Probed by City

By Mary Johnson | July 18, 2012 11:53am
Representatives from the hotel recently met with police and neighbors to help find a solution to the noise concerns.
Representatives from the hotel recently met with police and neighbors to help find a solution to the noise concerns.
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MIDTOWN — Rowdy pool parties at the Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel are being investigated by the city following complaints of overcrowding and noise at the swanky high-rise retreat.

The Department of Buildings is planning to investigate reports that hordes of revelers have been packing the Park Avenue hotspot's 20th-story pool deck for booze-fueled weekly parties, possibly in violation of occupancy limits.

The parties, which take place every Sunday and feature bottle service, have sparked complaints from neighbors and prompted local leaders to reach out to police and nearby residents to discuss the problem.

The hotel, located on Park Avenue near East 29th Street, is home to a rooftop pool and lounge that has been hosting a summerlong series of Sunday parties that keep the outdoor space bumping with scantily clad sunbathers from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each week.

A doorman admits guests at his own discretion, according to the Gansevoort Hotel website, and tables can be reserved only with the purchase of bottle service.

But the combination of sun, alcohol and flesh-baring patrons has created a series of raging parties that has steamed neighbors in surrounding buildings, as first reported in the New York Post.

“I try to not be home on Sundays. The last thing you want are a bunch of crazy people with loud techno music until 8 or 9 p.m.,” area resident Greg Housset, 24, told the Post. “Even when the windows are closed, you feel like there’s a sub-woofer in your apartment.”

Multiple calls have reportedly been placed to 311 to complain about the noise, including one on July 13. According to the 311 website, police responded to the call and took action to “fix the condition.”

Based on concerns from those who live near the hotel, Community Board 5 recently brought together neighbors, hotel representatives and members of the 13th Precinct to begin working toward a solution, said district manager Wally Rubin.

Although Rubin did not attend the meeting, he said it went well.

The sheer number of patrons flocking to the space each week has created concerns that the crowds are violating the rooftop’s occupancy limits of 54 people in the pool area and 200 for the seperate bar/lounge area, according to the DOB.

A spokeswoman for the department said the agency has not received any complaints about overcrowding around the hotel's pool, but noted the DOB would investigate the situation and take appropriate action if necessary.

Karin Kopano, general manager of the Gansevoort Park Avenue, said the hotel has had “zero safety incidents”

“Guest safety is of utmost importance to the Gansevoort Hotel Group,” she said. “At the Gansevoort Park Avenue Summer Series, ample security is provided, ensuring a fun and safe environment for our guests.”

The hotel is scheduled to appear before the Community Board 5 committee that reviews liquor license requests on July 25 to review its license renewal application.