Seen & Heard: Bar Cyrk Remains in Limbo

December 21, 2017 Arts & Culture, Real Estate, Restaurant/Bar News, Shopping

••• The temporary gallery I heard was opening at 175 Franklin, next to Shinola, would seem to be showcasing the art of Thierry Despont, judging from the “masks” visible in the upper windows.

••• “Do you know if Bar Cyrk is permanently closed?” asked B. “Yelp shows it as temporarily closed and reopening on January 1, but I haven’t found any other info on what the status is.” The lack of activity—and forthcoming construction of a rooftop addition—made me doubt that a reopening is imminent, but sometimes Yelp knows things. “No reason to rely on Yelp,” said Bar Cyrk. “When we schedule a reopening date, we’ll announce it and let you know.”

••• A noteworthy comment from Andrew Scheman about Town Stages, which is trying to get a liquor license even though Community Board 1 objects: “Yesterday the State Liquor Authority announced the 500 foot rule hearing for Town Spaces. It is scheduled for 12/28 a perfect time for Town Spaces and an awful time for those opposed. Coincidence??? Not likely as their attorney is broadly experienced in matters such as these. Notably CB1 which should be able to get the hearing postponed was rebuffed. A campaign has begun to try to accomplish a postponement of the hearing so if you read this and agree please please please email Nadler, Chin, and any other elected official in the district to enlist their help.”

••• Since when are pay phone ads allowed to do this?

••• Frenchette appears to have decided on black.

••• The huge former Classic Car Club space at 250 Hudson has “leased” signs plastered on the windows, but the reps won’t say who’s moving in.

••• Soho Art Materials on Wooster, just above Canal, is moving a couple of doors to the south.

 
Tags: , , , , , ,

6 Comments

  1. Bruce
    December 21, 2017 • 11:17 am

    TC: “Since when are pay phone ads allowed to do this?”

    My question:

    Allowed to do WHAT?

    Reply
  2. James
    December 21, 2017 • 1:33 pm

    Per Chapter 6 of Title 67 of the RCNY, 6-06, advertising on a pay telephone is governed by the specific franchise agreement with the City and the provider (here Titan / Citybridge). The extension structure may or may not be in compliance with said franchise agreement.

    That said, if the lower ad structure is a barrier to use of the phone by the disabled (eg blocking a wheelchair’s entry) it would violate the ADA and section 6-44 regardless of the terms of the franchise agreement.

    To complain about a payphone: https://www1.nyc.gov/apps/311universalintake/form.htm?serviceName=DoITT+Public+Pay+Phone+Complaint

    Reply
  3. James
    December 21, 2017 • 1:47 pm

    It appears that the only relevant portions of the franchise agreement in this non-landmark location is Section 5.3.2 (i) and (iii).

    5.3.2 Advertising Display Panels

    (i) Advertising on display panels on Structures may not exceed 1,539 square inches;

    (ii) Advertising on Existing PPTS, prior to their replacement with a Structure, shall be permitted pursuant to the old Franchise;

    (iii) Each PCS may have no more than 2 advertising panels.

    Per Section 1.1,

    “Public Communications Structure,” “PCS,” or “Structure” means any of the following: (i) a PPT; (ii) a non-Advertising Structure that provides free Wi-Fi Services; or, (iii) a telephone installation that was installed or maintained prior to the Commencement Date pursuant to a now-expired PPT franchise agreement. Upon transfer of ownership to the Franchisee, each PPT that was installed and or maintained prior to the Commencement Date pursuant to a now expired PPT franchise agreement is deemed a PCS.

    “Public Pay Telephone” or “PPT” means a telephone installation: (i) from which calls can be paid for when made by a coin, credit card, prepaid debit card or in any other manner; (ii) available for use by the public; and (iii) which provides access to a switched telephone network or similar type conduit for voice or data communications. The term “Public Pay Telephone” or “PPT” includes any pedestal or telephone bank supporting one or more telephones, PPT Enclosures, signage and other associated equipment.

    See https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doitt/downloads/pdf/Franchise-Agreement-for-Public-Communications-Structures-(REVISED-FINAL-12-10-2014).pdf

    Reply

Comment: