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Starlite Lounge - Closing? — Brooklynian

Starlite Lounge - Closing?

snowboardqueen
snowboardqueen
edited November -1 in Crown Heights/Prospect Lefferts Gardens
The oldest Gay bar in Brooklyn, I heard is getting the boot. The building where they are located has been sold. I've been told they have been given 3 months to vacate.

Hope it's not true.
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Comments

  • jack krohn
    jack krohn
    Who told you that?
  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    I heard the same thing at the last Community Board 8 meeting. From a relative of the owner. Sounds legit.
  • marla_singer
    marla_singer
    I was there about a week ago and they were asking people as they came in the door to sign a petition to keep it open.
  • parkplace
    parkplace
    oh no! that is terrible news. It would be a real loss for Crown Heights.
  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather
    i hear they are asking folks to write letters of support and what not for them....

    i would be soo so so so sad to see them leave.
  • xlizellx
    xlizellx
    http://newyork.metromix.com/restaurants/restaurant/starlite-lounge-closed-crown-heights/42541/content

    they're not already closed, are they?
  • ev965
    ev965
    They're not closed yet. I went Saturday and signed the petition. It seems they want to landmark the building or the business and save it that way (http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54147). Please go in (Bergen Street at Nostrand Avenue) and ask to sign the petition, or send a letter of support (email [email protected]). --E.
  • catwalkertexasranger
    catwalkertexasranger
    Gage and Tollner is becoming an Arby's.
  • hatemail
    hatemail
    http://gothamist.com/2009/11/10/brooklyns_oldest_gay_bar_might_clos.php
  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather

    Subject: Please Support the Starlite!!!

    Please support the Starlite everyone!
  • nyave
    nyave
    Who's going to the Community Board meeting tonight? Is the Starlite on the agenda?
  • catwalkertexasranger
    catwalkertexasranger
    NYAve wrote: Who's going to the Community Board meeting tonight? Is the Starlite on the agenda?
    What would be the agenda? Turn the bar into a co-op? Who is going to stand up in front of a Crown Hts crowd and say "We don't have enough bars around here!" This is a cool place and if the bldg owner thinks there is something better suited for his bldg so be it. Are people of the area really prepared to purchase the bldg to keep the Starlite open ? They just tried to raise 80k for school projects and came up with@ 12 or 13. If people want a community owned and run bar count me in for 1 or 2 shares in the co-op bar concept.
  • tsarina
    tsarina
    The new owner wants to put in a variety store (hmmmmmm) or a bank. There should be a moratorium on 99 cent stores, nail and hair salons on all of Nostrand Avenue. As for a bank branch. I personally dont think it should come at the expense of getting rid of Starlite. The starlite is one of the very few interesting places on Nostrand
  • snowboardqueen
    snowboardqueen
    tsarina wrote: The new owner wants to put in a variety store (hmmmmmm) or a bank...
    Hmm,

    Then it seems the owner is speculating and there is no concrete new leaser.

    I hope Starlite is not closed based on this speculation and then the property sits empty forever or goes through a revolving door of businesses that open and close.
  • ev965
    ev965
    In case you haven't had a chance to go to Starlite (1084 Bergen Street at Nostrand Avenue) and sign the petition but you want to support them, they have set up an online petition here: http://new.ipetitions.com/petition/starlite/. They ask for comments, but I don't see space for comments on the petition, so maybe email to [email protected]. --E.
  • caseopele
    caseopele
    I have blanks of the petition if anyone wants to sign in the PS area. PM me and I'll tell you where.
  • spatulashack
    spatulashack
    Is there any update on Starlite? I've been living in the area for almost a year now and I just found out about this place. I'd hate to have it close so soon after discovering it! Anyone know anything?
  • nyave
    nyave
    I heard it's being discussed at the CB8 meeting tomorrow - can anyone confirm?

    The meeting is at 7 pm at 727 Classon (corner of Park) tomorrow (Thursday the 10th).
  • ben
    ben
    I don't really understand how you landmark a business, can someone explain how this works? Are there specific architectural elements, etc. inside the building that merit preservation or is it just the business itself?

    I know the interior of the old Gage and Tollner is landmarked but that didn't keep them in business, it's being turned into an Arby's as was mentioned earlier.

    If the bar has the support that it sounds like it has why don't they just open up somewhere else nearby? If it's a viable business it will stay around either in its current location or another one. If it's not a viable business...well let's just say that you can't expect the landmark commission to save them.
  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather
    yes i heard it was being discussed tomorrow, too...i have class and can't make it. i sent in an email of support to Starlite as well as the community board
  • nyave
    nyave
    Great. I hope we'll discuss different options for preserving the Starlite tomorrow, with landmarking being one option. I think it's a pretty complex process involving an architectural review as well as approval from the city committee. At the same time, the Stonewall Inn is landmarked, and the Starlite is as much as part of NYC queer history as the Stonewall, so there is a strong precedent.

    In any case, I hope a strong show of support will show that the Starlite IS a viable business, and that there are a lot of Crown Heights residents as well as people in the larger queer community who are very invested in keeping the Starlite in business in its current location, and feel that turning that space into a dollar store would be a real loss of history and community.
  • violet
    violet

    Subject: Community Board 8 Contact Info

    We're going to send emails, faxes, letters to Community Board 8.
    I don't know exactly what they can do.
    But we want to show support and can't be at the Board meeting tonight either.

    email: [email protected]
    fax: 718-778-2979

    Community Board 8
    1291 St. Mark Avenue
    Brooklyn, NY 11213

    718-467-5574
  • nyave
    nyave
    Starlite folks spoke up during the public comments period, which came at the end of the nearly 3 hour meeting. Debra (I think that was her name) made a brief announcement and was promised by the Chair that the Starlite will be on the agenda of CB 8's next meeting, which is on January 14.

    Debra also mentioned a press conference that will be held at the Starlite in the next week or so, which they would like people to come out for. I'll post details when I hear them.

    BTW, the landlord maneuvering behind the eviction attempts sound extremely sketchy. Something about the owner taking out a new mortgage on the building which has the requirement of the commercial space being delivered vacant...Initially they were given only a 15 or 30 day notice of eviction.
  • melissa cee
    melissa cee

    Subject: Stop Starlite's Eviction - Rally on Tues., 2/2, 1pm

    Stop the Eviction of Starlite Lounge -- 50 year old Black-Owned Safe Haven
    When: Tues 2/2/10 1pm
    Where: 1080 Bergen between Rogers & Nostrand; Brooklyn, New York


    For Immediate Release:

    Contact: Debra A. Griffin- Daza
    The Damon S. Allen Foundation Against Violence
    [email protected]
    347-369-8894


    The Damon S. Allen Foundation Against Violence, in collaboration with community groups and residents of Crown Heights, will host a press conference protesting the eviction of the historic Starlite Lounge, the oldest Black-owned, non-discriminating pub in Brooklyn, on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM outside of Arthur Brown Funeral Home, located at 1080 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues. For the last five decades the Starlite Lounge has been a safe haven to members of our community and a space of significant historical relevance for New York City residents. This incredible run in Crown Heights is now being threatened as Starlite was served with eviction papers last week without being given an opportunity to negotiate with the building's owners. The proposed closing has brought people together to fight against this unfair eviction of an openly gay-friendly establishment in the heart of Brooklyn. At the press conference, we will challenge Arthur Brown Funeral Home and Century Twenty-One Real Estate's unwarranted eviction of this historic business. Concerned citizens and local elected officials are expected to attend to show support for the establishment.


    New York Times Article on Starlite Lounge
    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/23/nyregion/23bigcity.html?ref=nyregion
  • rosweed
    rosweed
    Apparently, the building is considered unsafe. It's been cited by the city. The floors are being held up by flimsy adjustable metal floor supports inadequate for the job.

    From Property Shark. "12/8/2009 Failure to maintain bldg in code compliant manner.noted @ the time of inspec. extensive deterioration or rotted structural flr. joists @ the basement.severe compromise of structure w/reduction of beam sizes/str

    12/8/2009 Failure to maintain exterior bldg wall & appurtenances noted on the no strand ave elevation severly corroded extreme size reduction fractured deflected & some missing section of steel lintels compromising"

    I have heard the Starlite regularly forgets to pay rent and has refused to move. It's been offered vacant space in nearby buildings.
  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather
    which nearby buildings?
  • rosweed
    rosweed
    Sorry, I don't know. That's what I was told. There's all kinds of empty space along Nostrand. If they wanted to move, I don't think that would be a problem.
  • snowboardqueen
    snowboardqueen

    Subject: Picture Of The Press Conference

    Pic from the Press conference!

    Starlite-Rally-Abeni-G
  • brooklynleather
    brooklynleather
    link to a video by Krissy Mahan (dyeumentary.com) re the rally



    And Samantha Stark's article in Gay City News
    http://www.gaycitynews.com/articles/2010/02/04/gay_city_news/community/doc4b6a70f78286a106246427.txt
  • violet
    violet

    Subject: Starlite Closing July 31 with a Pajama Party

    We got this email from Starlite:
    From the Starlite Lounge Management & Staff

    It is with a heavy heart that we are forced to announce that The Starlite Lounge has lost its highly-publicized battle to stay open in its landmark location.

    The stars will shine their light for the last time on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

    We would love for you, the Starlight family, to come and enjoy our last night together in this location. But no worries, there are plans for a fresh, new beginning for The Starlite Lounge. Be on the lookout for e-mails and updates for The Starlite’s rebirth in a new location!!

    COME IN YOUR SEXIEST SLEEPWEAR FOR OUR PAJAMA PARTY FINALE!!!!!!
    They'll have their final Karaoke tomorrow (Thursday July 29), and a DJ with performances on Friday (the 30th). Then the pajama party on Saturday - I think it starts at 10pm, and entry is $10 if you're wearing pajamas ($12 if you're not).

    It is sad to see them close. :( I hope they re-open in a new location nearby, but with the same friendly vibe.

    .
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