Freddy’s Bar, the beloved Prospect Heights bar and performance space, which was in many ways the epicenter of Atlantic Yards activism is reopening on Fifth Avenue between 17th and 18th Street in South Park Slope.
For those who don’t remember, the original location was demolished in the name of eminent domain. In other words, because it was in the footprint of the Atlantic Yards project, it was deemed a blight to the neighborhood. Ha!
Seems that the previous owner of Freddy’s is no longer involved in this brand new endeavor and that the Freddy’s staff members have taken over.
The new owners are Donald O’Finn, previous manager and bartender, Matt Khun and Matt Kimmett, both previous Freddy’s bartenders. According to O’Finn, “they are all highly responsible for the success that Freddy’s enjoyed at it’s past location.”
O’Finn adds that the new Freddy’s team signed the new South Slope lease on the evening of Oct. 21, 2010. That’s last night so this is hot off the presses, folks.
Says O’Finn: “The opening of the doors is contingent on the speed and accuracy of both the State Liquor Authority and the Department of Buildings, as well as the embrace of Community Board.”
Let’s hope it all goes quickly. Good luck to all of you.
Miss D’s comments are spot on. Cheers to Freddy’s for their fight and good luck in their new spot. However, there are many others who continue to fight this land grab abuse. in the name of projected, higher tax revenue, New Yorkers, both owners and renters, are being forced out of their homes and businesses. Some states have passed reforms on this issue but New York is still tragically behind. This gross practice can affect all of us. No property owner or renter is exempt.
It’s good news that Freddy’s is up and running again; hopefully business will be good in the new location. Unfortunately, many property owners are still pursuing claims for additional compensation because offers were so low. This type of abuse will continue to occur until we can get legislation passed that protects property ownership rights in New York. As posted by dddb.net and stated by an appellate judge “there is no longer any judicial oversight of eminent domain proceedings”. NY needs eminent domain reform. Check out our site if you want to read about eminent domain laws in New York.