In this video, Morristown council members spell out their concerns about the Gran Cantina, a Mexican restaurant and bar proposed for the former Zebu Forno space on South Street by the Iron Bar.
The council eventually voted 5-1 (Raline Smith-Reid voted no; Alison Deeb recused herself) on Wednesday to allow the Iron Bar to extend its liquor license next door for the Gran Cantina. Several conditions were imposed, including an 11 pm alcohol cutoff, a smaller bar, beefed-up weekend security and indoor storage of trash.
This clip may have added historical value: It captures what quite possibly may be the only extended comments ever spoken by Councilman Kevin Gsell during three years of council meetings. The remarks come at the 8 minute mark.
Videos below lay out arguments made by the applicant’s attorney, and by residents who opposed the bar or who demanded that it be regulated as strictly as another proposed Latino bar, Futbol-Landia.
The video was shot by MorristownGreen.com on Oct. 24, 2012. At times the images are a little wobbly, and the acoustics in the council chamber are atrocious–like a submarine boiler room in an old war movie.
Below is a playlist of all the video clips; separate links also are included below.
VIDEO CLIPS FROM GRAN CANTINA HEARING, OCT. 24, 2012:
Morristown council approves Gran Cantina
Carolyn Young, architect for the applicant, clarifies how trash will be stored inside the Gran Cantina, rather than in a congested alley. The council votes 5-1, with some conditions, for the Iron Bar’s liquor license extension next door for the Gran Cantina. Later, off-camera, Iron Bar owner Jimmy Cavanaugh says he expects to open the Gran Cantina next year.
Council imposes conditions on Gran Cantina
Assistant town Attorney Elnardo Webster II and the council, led by Council President Michelle Dupree Harris and Stefan Armington, hash out conditions similar to those imposed on Futbol-Landia. They then recess to fine-tune these stipulations with the applicants.
Iron Bar lawyer argues against restrictions
“You can’t cut their hands off before they start playing the game.” Attorney Robert C. Williams says Gran Cantina needs full liquor hours to succeed where the restaurant Zebu Forno failed.
Council debates Iron Bar expansion
Council members spell out their concerns about adding another bar on South Street. Rebecca Feldman, Stefan Armington and Raline Smith-Reid have the most to say.
Resident cites studies about bar clusters
“Every night I hear the police sirens.” Morristown resident Donna Gaffney cites studies about problems that stem from packing too many bars together.
‘What kind of town do we want this to be?’
“It’s changing who we are as a town.” Morristown resident Ravitte Ginsberg, who lives near the downtown, says the town must strike a balance between bars and neighborhoods, or it will become Hoboken.
‘Everyone should be treated fairly’
“Everyone should be treated as on the same playing field.” Morristown resident Abbey Mohr, who supported the Futbol-Landia proposal, reminds the council of conditions it imposed there, and asks that the Gran Cantina receive the same scrutiny.
‘No more alcohol in Morristown’
“You don’t need to serve any more alcohol in this town.” Morristown resident Christine Conti-Collins lives in a luxury condo downtown, pays $36,000 in taxes, and says the council should deny this liquor license extension for the same reasons it denied a bowling alley/ bar on DeHart Street.
