A recent change in management at MP Pub has residents fearful the nightmare will return.
The tavern, located 702 Morris Park Avenue, a spot notorious for quality-of-life concerns caused by excessive noise, violence, loitering, and littering just outside the premises, has since November quieted down, giving the surrounding area a respite of peace.
However, this week residents learned the location has changed hands and a new operation is about to open called Y.O.’s Restaurant, Sports Bar & Lounge.
Some of Y.O.’s Restaurant’s owners, Charlie Khalil and associates, met with district manager of Community Board 11, John Fratta, CB11 members, Al D’Angelo and Vinny Prezioso, and representatives of Senator Jeff Klein last week to discuss plans for the location.
According to Khalil, the new restaurant will have a much lighter atmosphere, operating from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m., a jukebox instead of the outrageous sound system currently installed, American cuisine, a main dining room with approximately 45 seats, and an outdoor lounge area with a fountain, in the rear of the building.
“It’s going to be a family restaurant, with nice pictures of the area from years ago, and maybe some sports and Yankee memorabilia,” said Khalil.
According to the State Liquor Authority, the liquor license for the location still remains under a former owner, Danny Fasolino’s name, who will remain owner of the new restaurant temporarily until Khalil applies for his own liquor license early in the summer and eventually takes on full ownership or the property.
However, residents are not convinced, believing the restaurant may just be a façade for the former MP Pub element to return.
“I spoke to residents and surrounding businesses and they are against it,” said CB11 member Joe Bombace.
Requesting assistance in the matter, Klein stepped in, sending a letter to the SLA requesting cancellation of MP Pub, Inc.’s liquor license at an upcoming board meeting on Wednesday, March 18.
