New Pizza Box owners seek approval for outdoor dining at 176 Bleecker Street

In a recent meeting of the Manhattan Community Board 2's SLA Committee, community members voiced strong concerns regarding a local business's trustworthiness and compliance with previous agreements. Residents expressed frustration over perceived violations by the business, emphasizing a lack of respect and neighborly conduct. One resident highlighted the importance of holding businesses accountable, urging the committee to deny any new requests from the establishment in question.

The meeting also featured a proposal from Melanie and Michael Westlock, owners of a new pizza restaurant called "Pizza Box," located at 176 Bleecker Street. The couple aims to create a family-friendly dining experience, featuring a farm-to-table concept with a focus on seasonal ingredients. They plan to utilize a backyard space for an edible garden, which they hope will serve as an educational tool for the community.

The Westlocks faced scrutiny regarding their request for outdoor seating and extended hours. They proposed to keep the backyard open until 10 PM without music, emphasizing their commitment to being good neighbors. However, committee members raised concerns about potential noise disturbances, particularly from birthday parties, which are often a source of complaints in the area. After discussions, the Westlocks agreed to accept a compromise of closing the backyard by 9 PM, with the possibility of revisiting the hours after gaining operational experience.

Other topics discussed included various local businesses seeking to adjust their outdoor dining arrangements and hours of operation. The committee reviewed applications from several establishments, ensuring compliance with community guidelines and addressing concerns about noise and safety.

As the meeting concluded, the committee reiterated its commitment to balancing the interests of local businesses with the needs and concerns of residents, aiming to foster a harmonious community environment. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the neighborhood's dining landscape and community relations in the coming months.