Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera and Councilman Jimmy Vacca joined Klein to rally that the State Liquor Authority to immediately suspend the club’s liquor license.
“Karma has not only defied the community but also the law, and we have had enough,” Klein said about the ongoing battle over the consistent illegal activities occurring at Karma, 1907 White Plains Road. “They have thumbed their nose at this hard working community and the time has come to close this establishment immediately.”
Based on the senator’s plea for needed community restoration, on Wednesday, August 6, SLA legal counsel submitted a petition at the Authority’s full board meeting for an emergency suspension of Karma’s liquor license.
The request came in response to a split board vote on July 17, where SLA commissioner Noreen Healy voted for an immediate suspension, while chairman Daniel Boyle challenged her decision, stating there was insufficient evidence to support such a motion.
With the recent appointment by Governor David Patterson of Jeanique Greene to the board, to eliminate any split-vote issues, Klein said he’s hopeful that through the introduction of new evidence, the Authority will understand the urgency and correctly and quickly rectify the situation.
“It’s time to end the late nights, gun violence and illegal activity which have turned our neighborhood into a nightmare,” Klein commented. “I’m calling on the State Liquor Authority to immediately suspend Karma’s license and close the club..”
While the club’s succumbed to closure in the past, due to an expired Public Assembly Permit, Vacca explained, “Nonetheless, Karma has continued to advertise many of their questionable events during this entire time knowing the needed permits to operate legally weren’t in order.”
Vacca added the SLA promised they would consider the community’s new information that explains Karma’s most recent activities and consider the situation be handled on an expedited timetable.
