Remember the Mayor's favorite restaurant, which was next door to a city-owned residential building occupied by lifelong residents? The one where the City gave the restaurant the residential backyard so the restaurant could have a large (very large — seating 230 people) outdoor dining space. Well the battle is still continuing.

On THURSDAY, JUNE 15th, at 8:00 a.m., at the Boro Office at 1 Centre Street, 19th Floor, Municipal Building, it is our understanding that there will be a vote as to either the terms of the lease or as to whether EDC and DaNico Restaurant should be in the backyard of this residential building. (FYI: DaNico Restaurant is still DEMANDING — YES DEMANDING — a 45 year lease with no escalation clauses for 2100 s.f. at $680 per month with rights to transfer the property when they sell their restaurant.) The City will not let the residents lease their own backyard, let alone under the same terms. At this Boro Board meeting next Thursday, our Community Board Chair, Jim Smith, is going to make a statement AGAINST this, supporting the tenants and reminding the City that CB 2's Full Board and the CB 2 Zoning Committee voted AGAINST having this commercial business in a residential backyard. Jim Smith feels the residents may still have a chance. This will also decide the fate of the building. The tenants and the Community Board do not want a restaurant in the backyard.

If possible, can you COME TO THIS HEARING TO SHOW THEM LITTLE ITALY STICKS BY ITS RESIDENTS — ESPECIALLY ITS LONG-TIME RESIDENTS — AND TO SEND A SIGNAL THAT LITTLE ITALY DOES NOT WANT PEOPLE EATING IN THE BACKYARDS OF OUR BUILDINGS.

We know it's early (8:00 a.m.) but if you can make it, it would be very much appreciated. As many of you may know, the building houses many, many senior citizens who have difficulty getting around.

Please try to give them your support.

There will be no public speakers BUT Jim Smith, CB2 Chair, and the tenants' attorney, Barry Mallin, are hoping for community support as this will set a precedent.

Thank you.