By Kevin Coughlin
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, as the French would say.
On Tuesday, Morristown bar owner Jimmy Cavanaugh went before the town council, again, seeking to expand a liquor license, again, backed by promises of prosperity for the downtown and testimonials from cheering employees and patrons. Again.
And downtown residents, who have heard all this before, again implored the council to apply the brakes and stem the drunken mayhem they say is eroding their quality of life.
Three hours later, so many people from both sides still wanted to speak that the council scheduled another hearing, for next Tuesday, Feb. 8, Feb. 7, 2017, at 7:30 pm.
Cavanaugh owns the Iron Bar, which shares its liquor license with Revolution, a beer hall he opened next door last fall.
Now he wants to extend that license again, next door to Revolution in a space recently vacated by the Parm Centro restaurant. Cavanaugh proposes a Mexican eatery called the Gran Cantina.
“Right now you have an empty store that brings no benefit to this community,” said Cavanaugh’s lawyer, Robert C. Williams. “No jobs, no ratable, nothing, empty space. A blight, possibly. So rather than have an empty store sitting on the gem of Morristown, South Street, we are proposing to put in a new restaurant. And I think that’s a benefit to the community.”
BAR WARS 2017: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
The Gran Cantina would create 25- to 35 jobs, Williams said, in a single-floor, 1,200-square-foot space with 66 seats and a capacity of 150 patrons. It would operate seven days a week, from 11:30 am to 2 a.m., with no live entertainment.
A moderately priced menu (under $25 per person) would be offered until 10 pm, with a bar menu until 1 am, said Darrell Remlinger, manager of the Iron Bar and Revolution.
Those establishments have a combined maximum occupancy of 1,043 people. As an olive branch to residents concerned about the dense concentration of bars, Williams offered to stipulate that the Gran Cantina would not exceed that number.
In other words, the 1,043 maximum would be spread across three venues instead of two, explained project architect Carolyn Young.
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin
‘A MATTER OF RESPECT’
But downtown residents were in no mood to trust Cavanaugh. They recalled how he won approval for a Mexican restaurant named Gran Cantina in 2012, only to balk at alcohol curfews imposed by the council. (Now, Cavanaugh and the council are grappling over similar restrictions at Revolution.)
They also remembered how Revolution was pitched as the Iron Bistro, a restaurant that would serve wild boar and top jazz acts.
Nor were they swayed by Cavanaugh’s hiring of two cops on weekends, or by a letter from the state motor vehicles commission praising the Iron Bar’s diligence in thwarting underage drinkers.
“It’s just a matter of respect,” said Linda Russo, a widow who said weekend evenings are so noisy outside her 40 Park luxury condo that friends won’t visit. Police are unresponsive, she said, and she must spend $7,000 on soundproof windows to get any sleep.
“If we all come to your front yard at 2 in the morning and scream, yell, throw up, pee up against your windows, break windows, would you call the police for a disturbance of the peace? I’m sure you would,” she told Cavanaugh’s supporters, adding it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt after last call.
“There’s not a child who walks out of those bars who isn’t falling over drunk,” Russo said.
South Street resident Tim Reuther noted that new apartments on DeHart and Market streets soon will subject more residents t0 these problems, which may be exacerbated when liquor is served at a restaurant and hotel proposed for Market Street.
Williams’ depiction of Gran Cantina as a restaurant also bothered Reuther. For closing hour each night, when no food is served, it will be a bar.
Approving this “dual use” would set a precedent likely to hamstring future councils, he said.
“Is there a limit to how far a liquor license can stretch?” Reuther asked.
Meanwhile, leaky Iron Bar dumpsters are attracting rats to a shared alley, according to Eldon Priestley of 40 Park.
With the Gran Cantina, he predicted, “we will have more unsanitary trash in the alley, which they have no right to put there.”
(Cavanaugh is suing the Morristown Parking Authority for control of that alley.)
‘YOU’VE GOT DUCKS DOWN THERE’
Fans of the license expansion included council candidate Esperanza Porras-Field, founder of the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce. Morristown’s Latino community would welcome a Mexican restaurant that stays open late, she said.
Dan Nemits of Kinnelon recounted being a 20-year-old college dropout who caught a break from Cavanaugh and Remlinger, who promoted him to assistant manager of Revolution. “They have given me an opportunity to start a career,” he said, “and I’m very thankful for it.”
The cure for late-night rowdyism is more cops walking the beat, suggested Morristown realtor Ed France. As for noise, he said, people who move downtown should expect it.
“If you really want quiet, you go to Windmill Pond or someplace like that. You’ve got ducks down there. It’s quiet,” said France, to loud applause.
For those who love the new scene in Morristown, FYI in past hour 1 to 2 am Sat. Feb 26 two different ambulances have been sent to Iron Bar . See if this is in newspaper. One for unresponsive male and second for head laceration.
Get out and support Gran Cantina tonight. Let the Council know you want this type of offering in Morristown on South Street; where it belongs….yes on “Bar/Restaurant row”!
The arguments from the opposition are weak, broadly applied and are not in the best interests of our downtown.
Remember: Retail is not coming back, hospitality and entertainment will save our downtown.
This is not about the quality of Mr Cavanaugh’s restaurants. I’ve been to the Iron Bar and Revolution. They are first class establishments and they are welcome additions to the ever expanding list of places to patronize in town. It is also not about young people versus older residents. During the hours I am out and about I’ve witnessed almost exclusively respectful behavior by younger patrons. What it is about is what happens after midnight when the alcohol has been flowing for several hours and the inevitable bad behavior that results from the actions of a small percentage of drunken fools. Some of us older folks were those drunken fools at some point in our lives so this is hardly a moral judgement either. The town council has a responsibility to do what is best for the town and its tax paying citizens. And they have to consider the long term ramifications of liquor license expansions. The council has done a great job so far but our town is not that big and South Street is in danger of becoming Bourbon Street. The difference is New Orleans is big enough to develop other less-rowdy areas – like Frenchmen St. Morristown doesn’t have that luxury. The data regarding unlawful behavior after midnight has been well documented over the past several years and increasing police patrols is an unattractive solution. The most sensible and enduring solution is to disallow any further liquor license expansions.
It amazes me how people don’t listen at these hearings, gran cantina is not bringing 1 more person to the total occupancy of our establishments. The fire Marshall has been sent almost every weekend to check, result no overcrowding. Our police have not reported any disturbance at 2 am. What these people don’t realize is customers begin leaving earlier than closing hour by the end of the night capacity is down. The same people keep exaggerating. Listen to your police and fire department not these people who don’t like morristowns vitality. Ever wonder why the politicians never bring the police and fire chief to testify ??? Think about it.
Gran Cantina restaurant would be great to have in the community. How about no bar in it, thereby making it a true restaurant. It could be BYO. We already have over 1,000 bar capacity just between adjoining iron bar and revolution, and several other bars within the same one block area. No need to expand the bar space.
When I purchased my apartment their were no bars in the piazza and it was very nice. I bought because it was near my church and train station and I was able to walk around Morristown without using my car. As six years have passed we now have plenty of bars clogging this area bringing noise and garbage. Even with new windows as patrons leave these bars they yell and scream for no reason which I can hear. It seems to me that 2:00am is too late for bars to keep open and still serve liquor to patrons already drunk . I did not come for quiet but for peaceful nights. The level rises from the street to encompass the piazza and the apartments above. I am against proposed transfer of license from one place to another.
I was determined to stay out of this mess because of all the unfair, judging comments that were made by nameless people just looking to insult myself and others. I just want to set the record straight. I love Morristown, I love all the restaurants and would welcome many more. I am friends with a lot of the wonderful people who work so hard at these establishments. Before I moved here I ate at these places a few times a week and that is why I picked this area to start my new life. But needless to say I was never here at 1 or 2 am so no I didn’t know what I had in store. Nobody is against the restaurants or the continuing building of one of the most popular towns in NJ. Our concorn was the after food serving hours when most adults are home and the college crowd takes over our streets. I realize now that the problem after the bars close is no longer the responsibility of the bar owners. It seems what causes the continuation of the party in the streets are the young adults waiting for Ubers (which is great, they aren’t driving) . I’ve seen some waiting up to 30 minutes for their rides because of the demand. It would be great if a taxi, Uber pick up station could be established in a larger parking lot where this could be confined. The police have a hard job with dozens of Ubers just stopping anywhere on street and the riders dashing through streets stopping traffic to get rides. If this situation was addressed I think most of the unwanted disturbances would be lightened. Even airports have designated pick up spots. BTW Jim alleyway looks great. Keep up the good work. It is noticed and appreciated.
The idea of this restaurant is exciting. Many people want this and there is a need for this type of cuisine. There is a small number of people against this as was seen by the low turnout at the hearing of people opposing this. Some people will always oppose new ideas however that should not stop what is good and legal. Many of the “problems” are well over exaggerated and some just not true at all. Residents are excited and look forward to this new business. Opening this new restaurant will not change what the current situation is on South Street. The current businesses there will still remain there whether this is passed or not. And they will continue to do business as they have before. So adding a nice ethnic restaurant would be a welcome addition to our community. We have had extreme interest in this idea for years now and look forward to this finally happening. This new business would be adding jobs, adding to the improvement of the town, increased interest in the local community and bring in more business for local stores and shop owners.
Yesterday iron bar moved all their dumpsters out of the right of way which was the subject of debate. Now there are left dumpsters from others lincluding 40 park.Let’s see what the powers to be do about it.
I would just love a Mexican Restauran in Morristown where I can add Cilantro and Himalayn Pink Sea Salt tableside.
I, having worked for Darrell & Jimmy, have seen their vision first hand. I was a server at Iron Bar as Revolution was being constructed and watched as they took every detail into deep consideration before bringing it into full affect. Along with each of these decisions, they have kept the public’s well being and liking in mind. These are the types of entrepreneurs we want in our community. Iron Bar and Revolution are both run in a very structured manner; they train their staff to take their liquor license seriously, and serve responsibly. I, unbiasedly would love to see a Mexican Bar & Restaraunt added onto such a great atmosphere such as South Street.
#SupportGranCantina
I would think some deference is due the residents. This is the equivalent of moving next to a grocery store that grows into Costco. Being close the market is great, but a warehouse? No thanks.
Also, the portrayal as Cavanaugh as a “white knight” isnt fact-based, its opinion; he’s a businessman foremost. He doesn’t want another investment, he wants to lever his alcohol license. There are great margins in booze.
Isn’t it somewhat curious that the Management Group/Family that owns the majority of the bars in Morristown, in the exact same vicinity, are not restricted at all or even mentioned in the debate?
Why would local officials, including the Mayor, not want to enforce the same set of rules to all bars & restaurants? Seems worthy of an answer, although I don’t think we’ll ever get one.
Thank you– the correct date is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 pm.
I think the important thing to keep in mind is that the same number of people that are currently divided into Iron Bar and Revolution will now be divided into three separate establishments. What is the difference if the same number of people are divided into two places or three? I would personally love to see that space develop into a thriving social spot for the community – A place where an exotic experience meets a friendly neighborhood eatery. Not to mention it will be backed by an extremely talented chef!
If the concern is about the kind of patrons that are currently occupying the area, a totally different space will bring a different clientele. The Gran Cantina is first and foremost a restaurant with a lively atmosphere and an innovative menu. It would only add to the appeal of Morristown being a destination spot for a variety of food establishments. I fail to see how this could be anything but beneficial to the town and it’s community. #SupportGanCantina!
If you live at 40 park you should have known what to expect when you signed up to live there. Morristown is a GREAT downtown area that has SO much to offer, so why try and stop the expansion to make it better? I don’t believe it’s fair that the same owner gets targeted when trying to bring new venues to Morristown. Completely unfair. I am 100% in support for a Mexican restaurant!!!
I’ve been to alot of these hearings as a Morristown resident and I must say the ppl are right, there is an inconsistency. The inconsistency lies within the town council and the residents complaining. The Iron Bar, Revolution and owner seem to be targeted by the council and a few residents complaining about the same things. They are constantly being restricted, complained about etc. For whatever reason the ones I’ve been to, read about in the paper and seen in the news for violations has no residents complaining about them, nor is the council seeking action against or restricting them. I never heard so much nonsense about dumpsters as if that is some logical reason the prevent business growth!??! Is that all they have as a leg to stand on!?!?! I mean seriously come on ppl. Tues nights 3 hrs of bickering and frivolous fact lacking statements from residents was an entertaining evening. Residents made fact lacking statements that when questioned they stammered off in a huff and 1 woman even looked to the Mayor or “Tim” sitting in the front for support to which added an awkward moment for everyone!? I frequent the downtown restaurants, bars and shops. I moved here for the active downtown business district. If I wanted quiet I would not personally have picked the center most part of the business district that required variances for residential building. Does this mean businesses should start seeking the same to build in the residential zones? When there is no more space for business growth in the business district due to over burdening residential growth, lack of parking and business replacement where do they go? I hope they get their fair shake and this inconsistency and targeting ends. I’d wouldn’t be surprised if the Town gets sued or caught up in some conspiracy from the looks of some of the inconsistencies. I look forward to a new and 1 of a kind restaurant addition to Morristown. I hope the residents and the businesses somehow come to an understanding and all the tax dollars being wasted.
Marge. Linda Russo, comes to IB and Revolution often. Her exaggerations are quite apparent. We have 2 off duty police officers every weekend, believe me our clientele, mostly Morristown and Morris county residents respect their authority. No one seems to be able to back up these allegations with police reports. There are hundreds of residents in these buildings and yet it’s the same 10 people that complain. Maybe someone should ask the question when this redevelopment was planned, offices should have been considered. It would have been much better for the downtown retail and compatibility with a vibrant downtown. Luxury residential would have been better suited a block or two off the green still within walking distance.
Eldom Priestly from 40 park is the guy who accused Iron Bar s customers of vandalism. Turned out these incidents were caused by young kids hanging out in the piazza. The leaky dumpsters he refers to are 40 Parks we will produce the photos. He stated they put their dumpsters out in the morning, last nite after the hearing they were in the right of way. This guy can’t help himself he lies, I don’t get it.
Ghss, replying to you. Our chef at revolution Paul Viggiano has been invited to the James Beard house to show his talent, he will bring with him Craig Shelton and David Burke. Paul will be consulting with Richard Sandoval the most respected for Mexican Cuisine, Maya NYC and Tamaya Palm Beach. This project will be like no other in our area. The space will have a state of the art kitchen and Decor. Stop by Revolution you will be pleasantly surprised. Jim
Typo. February 8 is a Wednesday.
This doesn’t sound like Pappasitos in San Antonio. Too bad. Morristown could become famous for the best Mex food in the state. Instead we get another late night hang out with bar food designed for the college crowd. Restaurants like Pappasitos are a huge success. Check them out. Missing a great opportunity here Mr C. And I say that respectively. There is an opportunity to be fun, classy, and very profitable while offering an alternative to the other fine community restaurant choices. Folks in Texas and visitors travel many miles just for Pappasios home made, and fresh, chips. Prices are also very reasonable and resturant is family friendly. Business folks love it. When I was working first question from visitors was what nite do we do Pappsitos. Know you can’t do Pappsitos but equivalent would be awesome and they serve liquor. Airborne 101!
Yes Ridge! Exactly. We need unbiased, pro-business and small-business members in the council
This has been restaurant space for as long as I can remember…20-25 years maybe. I also recall that at one point there was a walk though to the existing Sona 13 space and I think it also shared the liquor license. The 40 Park residents should pursue misrepresentation claims against the developer and/or prior owners of these properties. They obviously were not informed that they would be living above very popular business establishments.
What other bars & restaurants in Morristown face the same set of restrictions? I believe the answer is none, and if that’s the case, then this is obviously directed at one business owner. If the Town Council wanted to apply these same restrictions to all establishments in Morristown, then the playing field would be level. To single out one business owner and apply limits to his ability to compete is clearly wrong, possibly illegal, and at a minimum ought to set off some alarms with Morristown residents. So, why is the Town Council biased?? Can anyone share facts as to why one business owner is being singled out?
And by children, I used wrong term. Meant college kids
Joe if you weren’t so rude and went to meeting you would know the facts. My words were not printed exactly as I said them. Things that go on are on street level. Since I am awake and my terrace faces the front i see the activity . As far as my friends, which you aren’t, I referred to out of town guests that have to stay at hotel rather than deal with noise till 2 or 3 am. None of this was about the restaurants. We all love them. It’s what goes on between 10:30 and 2:00 am that we are concerned about. It’s very easy for people to visit our town, be entertained and then go home to their nice quiet homes. Don’t judge other people when you don’t know what you are talking about
Joe & M Russell.. great points!
I am in full support for Gran Cantina. It’s a different concept for Morristown and would not create any more problems. It will economically benefit Morristown. As for 40 Park residents- you BOUGHT there KNOWING these places existed and that Morristown had a lively downtown scene. Cavanaugh has been nothing but great in proposing and operating quality businesses. If the council rejects him, it would be an absolute shame and completely political. This small business will continue Morristowns renaissance.
I did not hear MS Russo say all those things were happening to her. She was asking Mr. Cavanaugh if he would like it if those things, reported happening to residents living near his bars, were happening at his home. He does not live in Morristown. She claimed she needed noise proud windows.
I should also mention that another restaurant/bar should be welcome as opposed to yet another soulless bank which have sprung up all over downtown.
Let him open this new restaurant/bar. I can’t understand how people are surprised when it’s noisy on the weekends when they live in the midst of a million bars and restaurants. You don’t move to downtown Morristown because it’s quiet.
I lived at 40 Park for a few years and yes, you would hear the crowds leaving bars and restaurants but it’s part of living in a city. You get the benefits of being able to walk to a coffee shop and great restaurants and you have to accept the negatives (occasional rowdy behavior and some drunk kids). The appeal of living there was that everything was at your footsteps. I think St. Patrick’s Parade weekend was really the only night it was really loud, but a sound machine and closed windows certainly helped with that. The residents were initially told that the expansion would be a two story club and i think that was the negative rub. i’d certainly welcome a great, fun mexican restaurant in that space. Can’t wait for the resident to complain that starbucks smells like coffee or they can hear traffic driving around the green at night too!
“There’s not a child who walks out of those bars who isn’t falling over drunk,” Russo said.
So now children are being served?
Also, I agree – if you live downtown this kind of noise should be expected. But cops should respond to people peeing on windows, etc. Especially if they are able to direct those streams several stories up!
Cavanaugh was right when he questioned the placement of 40 Park. It should have been built so close to the Green. An office building would have been a much better choice.
I hope downtown continues to thrive. Compare this to the downtown of the 70s and 80s.
The over-generalizations that the objecting public uses to condemn the Iron Bar is ridiculous. Morristown has many bars and restaurants that all generate exiting patrons, dumpsters and similar operating concerns yet Iron Bar (Cavanaugh) is always singled out as the “bad boy”. Iron Bar and Revolution are the only Town venues that hire, at their own expense, police officers on the weekends, a letter from the NJ DMV applauding their carding efforts to combat potential underage people from entering, and an operating record clear of any violations, local or state.
Morristown’s thriving downtown is largely due to the numerous bar/restaurant choices. Certainly retail isn’t coming back. Make it easier for hospitality venues to do business, not more difficult.
Cavanaugh is pouring investment into our downtown properties and other entrepreneurs will follow. A collaborative effort will yield greater results for all.
Linda, if you live at 40 park you are at least 2-3 stories above ground level as are most residences within the area, I find it pretty impressive if people are urinating and throwing up on your windows. I hardly doubt that every “child” who walks out of the bars is falling down drunk. Do you have property damage or criminal mischief reports to go along with all these broken windows you claim there are? If your friends won’t visit because there’s noise outside of your luxury condo you might want to find some new friends. You don’t have a front yard, that’s public property. The police are unresponsive? They just ignore any calls for the area? They don’t show up? Can you please elaborate. Have you followed up on their “unresponsiveness” with the administration? You mentioned it’s a “matter of respect” I think it’s a complete lack of respect on your part to suggest the police are unresponsive.