2 OCTOBER 14, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Pop-up parties in former Middle Village hardware
store raise concerns from residents, elected offi cials
BY JULIA MORO
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Several complaints have been
reported to 311 this past weekend
about a vacant storefront
formerly belonging to the Midville
Hardware store being used as a location
for pop-up parties.
These parties may violate the legal
occupancy of the building, according
to the Department of Buildings
(DOB) Press Secretary Andrew
Rudansky. The building, located at
73-02 Metropolitan Ave., is meant to
be used as a store, with apartments
on the second floor.
Rudansky said that the DOB would
have to inspect the property during
one of these reported parties
to determine any potential legal
violations.
“We are working with our fellow
city agencies to investigate this issue
further,” Rudansky said. “If we
find that the property is occupied
contrary to the Certificate of Occupancy,
we can take enforcement
actions against the property owner.”
In New York City, a building must
be used as per the legal Certificate of
Occupancy, which for this building
is a store and two apartment units,
according to Rudansky. The DOB
could impose financial penalties
or issue vacate orders if the building
is not being used as listed in the
Certificate of Occupancy.
Councilman Robert Holden said
he is working with DOB, the 104th
Precinct and State Liquor Authority
to put a stop to the pop-up parties.
“These dangerous gatherings have
brought violence into our district,
including a recent shooting and
they must be stopped immediately,”
Holden said. “We are aware of other
pop-up party venues in the district,
especially on Metropolitan Avenue
and Myrtle Avenue, and are working
to shut them down, as well. Residential
areas are not appropriate locations
for these fly-by-night events
that intrude upon our quality of life.
I will not allow this dangerous, disturbing,
illegal activity to continue.”
A spokesperson for the NYPD said
that the 104th Precinct has been
working to investigate the parties
further.
“The commanding officer of the
104th Precinct is aware of loud
parties at the location and is working
with his NCO team to conduct
directed patrols at the location and
address the condition,” the spokesperson
said.
Kevin Ryan, a spokesperson for
Holden’s office, said that they are
looking into whether the landlord
has a liquor license. Holden’s office
is also trying to determine if the
business is checking vaccination
cards at the parties, as required for
every business in New York City.
“That might be another way to shut
them down,” Ryan said. “We would
rather work with them, but we’ll
see.”
Several complaints have been reported to 311 regarding a vacant
storefront being used as a location for pop-up parties.
Screenshot via Google Maps
Hey New Yorkers!
With nine days of Early Voting
from Oct. 23–31, every New Yorker
can find their perfect time to cast
their ballot.
ON THE BALLOT
• Mayor
• Public Advocate
• Comptroller
• Borough President
• City Council
VOTE!
EARLY!
Find out where, when and how at
findmypollsite.vote.nyc
link
/WWW.QNS.COM
link
