Grub Street

During an hour-long debate at last night’s Community Board 2 meeting, Ivan Kane didn’t get much love for Forty Deuce, construction of which he says he halted after the CB rescinded its initial recommendation to approve a liquor license. Among his statements that were met with jeers: “There are only eight bars within a 500-foot radius” (neighbors counted twenty), “The ticketed entry fee is sometimes $10” (“Your burgers are $10!”), “There are layers [regarding the dancers’ costumes]” (“What does that mean?”), “I felt this was a community that welcomed artists” (“Oh, please!”).

Kane came to the meeting with a few amendments to his initial application: A burger stand initially proposed to operate between 11 a.m. and 4 a.m. will now close at midnight on Mondays and Tuesdays; the club’s two twenty-minute burlesque performances will occur between 10 p.m. (an hour later than initially proposed) and 4 a.m.

Neighborhood activist Janet Freeman, recently profiled in by the Observer, led a group of opponents who were so spirited at times that attendees called for security. But the most memorable line came from a Milton Berle–esque Kane supporter who downplayed the specter of vomiting drunks: “When you walk into a club like Mr. Kane’s and you spend $75 to get in, the throwing up will be when you get the check.”

Seemingly more successful in their attempts were Double Seven, seeking a transfer to its new location (“Everyone likes them — for a change,” a board member said), and Steak Frites, looking to open a third location at 225 Varick. Hipster favorite Lovely Day, though approved by a separate committee for two sidewalk tables (so long as they apply for and are approved for a liquor license alteration, outdoor boozing there will be legal for a change!), may or may not get the nod on a new downstairs bar.

We caught Kane on the street, where neighbors’ arguments interrupted motorists trying to beep their way through the mob. Though he wasn’t vomiting, he didn’t look so great. “I have no comment at this point,” he said. “I’m really exhausted.”

Related: Don't Strip So Close to Me [NYM]