CB8 Votes No on Rooftop Liquor License For E. 81st Street Club

Community Board 8 has recommended against providing a liquor license to a planned British members’ club on E. 81st Street, unless developers abandon plans to put a bar on the roof.

The advisory resolution, which was first reported by Patch, passed by a vote of 22-13. It could influence the New York State Liquor Authority’s ultimate decision as to whether to grant the license.

Estelle, the license applicants in question, are well-known for operating a club called “Celeste” in the Notting Hill neighborhood in London. The new club would serve as an Upper East Side addition to their portfolio, and would occupy all five stories of the townhouse at 24 E. 81st St.

At a May 5 convening of CB8’s full board, it was quickly evident that a number of local residents were not on board, at least thus far.

Despite Estelle reportedly agreeing to a stipulation that would see them close the rooftop terrace at 10 p.m., a number of people testifying appeared specifically concerned about rooftop clubgoers being able to peer into nearby apartments, or otherwise disrupt their peace of mind via excessive noise.

Jibril Younes, a representative of the building next door at 26 E. 81st St., was blunt: “Our concern is straightforward. The proposed rooftop use at 24 E. 81st St. would significantly impact the privacy and quality of life for our tenants.”

“At a very bare minimum, we would also request meaningful mitigation measures,” Younes added, “including an enclosed acoustical structure, similar to a greenhouse, and a privacy screen facing our building—to reduce noise, light, and direct visibility into our tenants’ homes.”

Adam Younes, Jibril’s brother, later elaborated that the apartments at 26 E. 81st have windows facing what would become the private members’ club. He further stated his belief that the club “would affect the entire neighborhood with increased traffic, noise, and garbage.”

Frederick Lapham, who is head of the co-op board for a nearby building at 18-20 E. 81st St., also expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed club. “This is a very quiet block...everybody who lives in our building is very nervous about the outdoor terrace being a permitted use,” he said.

Not everybody was skeptical about the club, however, including members of Community Board 8. Russell Squire, who serves on CB8’s “Street Life” subcommittee, noted that he was satisfied with the way a representative for Estelle outlined their plans at a separate meeting.

“They answered all the questions that we had,” Squire said. “It didn’t sound to me like something that was going to be loud, or whatever. It was going to be a sort of quiet place.”

Yet Michele Birnbaum, another board member, said it was her understanding that local residents opposed to the club—at least as is—were unaware of this separate committee meeting.

“They shouldn’t be punished for that,” Birnbaum said. “The fact is, they came tonight...and they even were so reasonable as to suggest mitigation. So, I think we ought to give their testimony very careful examination, and I personally will oppose this.”

A representative for Estelle did not return a request for comment as of press time.