GRAMERCY — A First Avenue nightlife spot that has infuriated residents with the rowdy crowds neighbors say it attracts is seeking a new on-premises liquor license, according to a representative of Community Board 6.
David Jaffee, the owner of Visana, a lounge located behind a pizza shop at 321 First Ave., is set to go before the CB6 business affairs on Thursday to plead his case for a new liquor license, which comes after months of continued complaints from nearby residents.
Since opening in the fall Jaffee’s lounge has upset neighbors, who say that boisterous crowds and thumping bass lines keep them up late into the night. Jorge Rios, who has lived in the neighborhood since the 1970s, previously told DNainfo noise from the lounge sometimes prevents him from sleeping until 4 a.m.
Jaffee has made overtures to his neighbors, showing up at several meetings of the 13th Precinct Community Council and meeting numerous times with police to discuss ways in which he could lessen the impact his customers have on the neighborhood.
In a previous interview with DNAinfo Jaffee said he had dropped about $5,000 on soundproofing equipment and met with neighbors to help defuse the situation. But he also blamed some of the controversy on his neighbors unwillingness to accommodate to change.
“I think some of the issue here is that a lot of the people complaining have been there for 40 years and they’re used to the status quo,” Jaffee said in November. “Even if we were doing fine I think people would complain, and we’ve really gone out of our way to be accommodating.”
Jaffee, who was once labeled one of the "Top 10 most hated people in New York nightlife," hung up the phone when reached for comment about the new application.
The Business Affairs and Street Activities Committee of Community Board 6 will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the NYU School of Dentistry, Nursing, and Architecture, 433 First Ave. in room 210.
