Can New York Protect its Dive Bars?

Over the past couple of decades, Manhattan's ruthless redevelopment has transformed neighborhoods up and down the island. In the East Village, local leaders are trying to defend the area's popular dive bars from rising rents and changing clientele.

1 minute read

September 6, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Laura Kusisto reports on efforts by local leaders to, "preserve the small watering holes the East Village is known for, as the
area becomes home to more large bars and clubs catering to young people
seeking a raucous night out." One avenue being considered is the creation of a special "night life" zoning district that would limit the location of clubs and large bars.

"As the neighborhood once known for its intimate night life is
transformed into what some deem a multi-block frat house," writes Kusisto, "community
leaders are looking for ways to control the scene that are more subtle
than simply quashing liquor-license applications."

"[Susan Stetzer, district manager for Community Board 3] said the community board isn't trying to stop new bars
from opening. Instead, board members are considering proposals to
concentrate them in areas away from residential buildings and
potentially restrict opening hours for some establishments. She said
this would help 'limit any negative quality of life impacts.'"

"It is unclear if limiting the location of bigger establishments would
necessarily save local favorites such as Lakeside Lounge, a 16-year-old
Alphabet City standby that closed in the spring, and Mars Bar, a
much-loved, proudly mangy dive that closed this year after 27 years, to
the chagrin of many neighborhood residents," notes Kusisto.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from a distance with freeway and trees in foreground.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods

A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

3 hours ago - USC Dornsife

Aerial view of Claifornia aqueduct with green orchard on one side.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy

California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

4 hours ago - Turlock Journal

Close-up of older woman's hands resting on white modern heating radiator mounted on wall indoors.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program

The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.

5 hours ago - The New York Times