DJ And Live Music a No-Go For Soda Bar

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Community Board 8’s permits and licenses committee on Monday voted against recommending to support a “change of operations”  to allow live music and backyard entertaining at Soda Bar in Prospect Heights.

According to the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), licensed owners changing the way they operate – adding a DJ would apply – must get approval from the agency, getting support from community board is a step along the way.

The popular Central Brooklyn stalwart at 629 Vanderbilt Avenue between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect Place came before the committee once before, in January. The committee tabled the request giving owner Galina Sokolova a chance to reconcile with complaining neighbors.

Residents who live in the building where the bar is located feared recommending the “change in operations” would increase noise levels similar to when things had  “reached a tipping point [during] the summer of 2016.” Back then, the bar had illegally hosted DJ’s and live music, before the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) stopped the activity.

In January, neighbors brought letters of complaints opposing the idea. Monday brought more objections.

Neighbors complained that new development at the rear of the building—which boxes in the backyard—had since created an echo chamber, therefore, amplifying any sound coming from the back patio.

“It sounded like you were at a football game,” said Zoie Rizzutto who’s been living in the area for more than a decade.

The two-room, 1,250 sq. ft venue fits 74 people. The bar first came to the nabe in 2002 and serves food, beer, and spirits.

The full board will cast a final vote at the next general meeting, Thurs. March 14, 2019.