26 The QUEE NS Courier • juLY 11, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Photo Courtesy of Judge Joseph Esposito Liquor Authority votes no booze for bikini bar BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com The girls can show some skin, but cannot serve guests some drinks. On July 2, the State Liquor Authority (SLA) rejected a liquor license application from the owners of Racks, a restaurant and bar that owners are seeking to open at 19-26 Steinway Street. During the SLA meeting, local politicians and residents showed up to voice their heavy opposition to the bar, where female servers would be wearing bikinis. “A place like Racks is wholly out of character with the family-friendly neighborhood of its proposed location,” said Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, whose office has heard a large community outcry against the bar. “Astoria does not need scantily-clad women performing lap and pole dances a stone’s throw away from a playground, middle school and our neighbor’s homes.” According to Simotas, the proposed adult establishment would reduce property values, increase the need for additional law enforcement and damage the community. “I tip my hat to the State Liquor Authority for listening to our community and helping preserve the character of our neighborhood,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “This decision is a victory for our quality of life and for the thousands of families raising their children in Astoria.” In April, Community Board 1 voted against a liquor license recommendation for Racks. But the board added that the owners could still set up shop and even feature topless adult entertainment. Kerry John Katsorhis, the lawyer for Racks, could not be reached as of press time. During the April meeting, he said children would not have to pass by the bar to get the playground. ‘DEVIL’ MAY LAUGH NO MORE LIC comedy club up for sale BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queesncourier.com It looks like the laughs might be coming to an end. The owners of The Laughing Devil Comedy Club, located at 47-38 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, have announced the venue will be put up for sale. “It has been successful to date, but my business partner, Steve, moved out to Los Angeles for his career, and I had a baby about 11 months ago,” said Jacob Morvay, co-owner of the club. “So we both had changes in our lives that have taken a significant portion of time.” Morvay and Steve Hofstetter started the business in 2011. It became a lovable part of the Vernon Boulevard community, hosting numerous stand-up shows featuring celebrity comedians. The owners hope the venue will remain a comedy club since there are not many entertainment options in Long Island City. “Our first choice is that it would stay the same — just a different owner,” said Morvay. “But there are other options for the space. “ Morvay said the club’s neighborhood is a popular one and that the property would come with a liquor license, a big draw for prospective buyers. He also touted a stateof the-art draft beer system which includes 14 different beers and is already installed. The owners have told other business in the area about the club being up for sale. They said reactions have been supportive, if also a bit melancholy. Morvay and Hofstetter are in talks with potential buyers of the 770-square-foot facility, which has the capacity to expand by another 100 square feet in the back. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into it,” said Morvay. “It’s definitely a labor of love that we are sad to see go, but we have decided what’s best for the business.” PROJECT PUTS SUNNYSIDE ON THE MAP BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com Visitors and residents are getting a colorful way to find their way around Sunnyside and explore the thriving community. The Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID), the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and LaGuardia Community College are developing an artistic, colorful map of Sunnyside targeted at both visitors and incoming residents. At the start of the project, 14 students were asked to submit sketches of a Sunnyside map. They highlighted neighborhood attractions to help familiarize visitors with the area. On July 2, three fine arts students were recognized as the top finalists. Miho Nozawa won third place, Adina Partoi won second place and Carmen Zhu won first place. “We are looking forward to having such an exciting document to be able to distribute to visitors,” said Rachel Thieme, executive director of the Sunnyside Shines BID. “This map is a great reflection of our thriving local business community.” The final map will feature Zhu’s artwork and include a business directory along with advertisements from local Sunnyside businesses. The map is expected to be completed and printed later this summer. It will be circulated in Long Island City hotels, real estate offices and community events. “Sunnyside’s businesses are some of the best in New York City, and I’m very happy to say that the design of this map is an accurate representation of the beauty, energy, and warmth of the neighborhood,” said Swain Weiner, president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce. Photo Courtesy of Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District Carmen Zhu drew up the winning sketch that will be featured in a Sunnyside map designed to help visitors and residents explore Sunnyside.
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