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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sandy Ley, Representative from Neighbors on Canal
1:01:43
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132 sec
Sandy Ley, representing Neighbors on Canal, testifies against Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application, describing the restaurant as a disruptive presence in the neighborhood. She highlights issues such as noise, crowd control, and violations of regulations, arguing that LeRive does not serve the local community's interests.
- Le Dive is characterized as the "worst operator on the block" with massive, unruly crowds and constant violations of SLA stipulations.
- The restaurant is part of a corporate nightlife empire called Golden Age, offering expensive cocktails in an area where many residents live below the poverty line.
- Even if the 18 sidewalk seats are rejected, Le Dive would still be able to operate 70+ outdoor seats under Dine Out NYC and Open Streets programs.
Sandy Ley
1:01:43
Great.
1:01:43
Well, first of all, thank you council for your time today.
1:01:46
My name is Sandy Lei, and I'm here from Neighbors on Canal.
1:01:48
I live in Chinatown on Canal Street, half a block away from Ladive.
1:01:52
Ladive has been an absolute nightmare for the neighborhood.
1:01:55
They are by far the worst operator on the block.
1:01:57
Their crowds are massive, unruly, disrespectful.
1:02:00
They are so disrespectful and large that they employ private security on the public open streets seven days a week last summer.
1:02:06
They are in constant violation of their SLA stipulations.
1:02:10
They have DJs in the basement.
1:02:11
They have wait lines outside on Ludlow Street.
1:02:14
They blast amplified music with their facade open, audible from two blocks away.
1:02:19
They consistently block sidewalk access by adding tables.
1:02:22
A two top suddenly becomes a four top, suddenly becomes an eight top.
1:02:25
They encourage smoking by placing ashtrays on outdoor tables.
1:02:29
I have a child.
1:02:30
It's gotten so bad on Canal Street that I've been rejected by babysitters who say they wanna avoid the area.
1:02:35
They can't get picked up in front of the house.
1:02:37
They tell me it's dangerous stepping outside at night and that it's like walking into a music festival.
1:02:42
I wanna be very clear here that L'Dive does not serve the community.
1:02:45
It is not a neighborhood joint or a mom and pop restaurant.
1:02:48
It is an outpost of a corporate nightlife empire called Golden Age.
1:02:52
They offer $16 cocktails even though 20% 26% of our neighbors here in Chinatown live below the poverty line.
1:03:01
So today, we are speaking about a grand total of 18 sidewalk seats.
1:03:05
Last year, L'Dive operated 90 outdoor seats.
1:03:09
So even if these 18 seats are rejected, under Dine Out NYC and OpenStreets, Ledive will still be able to operate 70 plus seats outdoors.
1:03:19
18 seats is no great loss to a hospitality giant like Golden Age, but it is a step in the right direction in restoring quality of life to residents and neighboring businesses.
1:03:29
And in regards to neighbors not contacting them directly, I am authorized to read a written statement from Ann Weninger at 35 Canal Street who wrote in her written testimony to the land use committee.
1:03:39
When we and our downstairs neighbors have asked them to reduce their music sound, they laugh in our faces and say no.
1:03:45
Time expired.
1:03:46
Please do the right thing and curb Ladive's extravagant outdoor dining allowances and restore balance to our neighborhood.
1:03:54
Thank you.