Residents of 15 Central Park West, which include Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, A-Rod and Sting, are furious at a proposal that would put a wine bar in the heart of their pristine neighborhood. Amsterdam Billiards founder Gregory Hunt wants to transform the space on the ground floor of 25 Central Park West into a jumping cafe and wine bar called the Century Cafe, and locals have reached out to lobbyist groups and lawmakers to block the project. 25 CPW resident Roberta Brandes-Gratz told the Post, "To have people and crowds coming in and out until 3 a.m. is more than a residential building should have to accommodate." Seriously, what kind of young, cultured city does Hunt think this is?
City Councilwoman Gale Brewer is on the residents' side, writing a letter to the state liquor authority to oppose Hunt's application. Earlier in the week, the West Side Independent reported that she wrote, "I have spoken to Mr. Hunt’ s attorney and expressed the concerns articulated to me by residents of the neighborhood. In particular, the issue of an establishment serving alcohol late into the night in a residential neighborhood is of great concern to residents. I look forward to working with all stakeholders on identifying a small business that would be more suitable for the location than a bar." Perhaps turning the space into a private parade viewing grandstand would be a good idea.
But Hunt understands the plight of the curmudgeons! He insists he is not trying to build the next Beatrice Inn, and says, “I’m 52 and I’m tired of going out and having to shout over everyone." He says the bar will only play "low background music," and only 74 people will be allowed in at a time. Presumably, everyone will be served warm milk at exactly 10 p.m. and then escorted home by the polite and reserved. Sounds wild!
