Civic leaders railed against the city’s decision to approve the Knockdown Center’s assembly permit last week, saying the area will not be able to accommodate an influx of 5,000 people. File Photos
The city Department of Buildings gave its stamp of approval last week for an assembly permit that will allow the Knockdown Center in Maspeth to host up to 5,000 people at the arts facility that has drawn criticism from civic leaders and other residents who worry it will draw large crowds of drunken patrons to the area but which center representatives say has been a respectful neighbor that creates jobs and provides cultural resources.
Now that the center landed on Dec. 6 its assembly permit – which the DOB had previously rejected at the end of October – the Knockdown Center will have to land a change in its certificate of occupancy before re-applying for a liquor license from the state. The center has said it wants to be able to serve alcohol during its various functions, including during occasions when there are 5,000 people on site.
“You’re going to get up to 5,000 people at this location – it’s crazy,” said Community Board 5 Chairman Vincent Arcuri. “That’s a lot of traffic, a lot of police protection. I don’t have enough police protection in this district as it is now.”
The center, which set up shop in an abandoned glass factory at 52-19 Flushing Ave. in Maspeth, has for a little more than a year been hosting such events as art shows and concerts by applying for temporary permits – but in order to continue operating it had to receive an assembly permit and a certificate of occupancy from the city.
While some area leaders, including a number of legislators, have raised concerns about the Knockdown Center’s operations, those running the art facility said they want to play a positive role in the community, including holding family events. Such an event, center leaders have said, include flea markets at the site, though those too have been criticized by area residents.
While the center’s application to host events of up to 5,000 people has drawn a myriad concerns from such legislators as Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood) and state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), as well as CB 5 members and other civic leaders, the center’s manager has stressed that his facility wants to work with the neighborhood on concerns residents have.
“We exist because of our building – the building is the thing that drove the enterprise in the first place,” Myers said in a previous interview. “It’s totally gorgeous, so we’re not moving. We’re all ears, and we’re thankful for the time and attention the community board gave our proposal and understand their objection. It’s something we’re looking to resolve.”
Myers said he wants the facility to offer a variety of family-friendly programs, including a a weekly flea market held each Saturday. These markets have, however, drawn criticism from area residents who said the center has had illegal signs advertising the market hanging on its fence – some of which have recently been removed.
The only legislator who has come out in support of the center is Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), who said the site could be an important job creator.
By Anna Gustafson
