The Manhattan Times

SLA: three letters are not community input

To the Editor:

I am writing about the Manhattan Times page four article from November 4, 2009 about a liquor license that was granted by the State Liquor Authority for 213 Sherman Avenue. The SLA claimed the application was fully vetted and received some input from the community. It is my understanding the application was not fully vetted and definitely not with the community. The SLA’s ability to decide when a license is granted is enhanced when community residents, law enforcement and community boards are all involved in the process. Letters from three individuals does not constitute community input.

The SLA knows that proper protocol for new applications required the applicant to provide 30-day notification to the community board and for the board to inform the community of the date, time and place the applicant discussed its method of operation; a resolution, not a letter, from the community board is mailed to the SLA after the full board meeting and vote on the recommendation.

I am deeply disturbed that a location with a tumultuous history was granted a license by the SLA without input from community residents, law enforcement and the full community board. I am looking into all avenues to address community concerns in this matter and will closely watch the process the community board follows for future applications to the SLA.

Adriano Espaillat
Member of Assembly (72nd AD)