Capalino and Company help New York City Entertainment Venue with Community Relations Issues

Ghosts of Tenants Past
Perhaps you are facing a similar situation: your company has moved into a facility that will surely become a landmark in the community, according to your plans and vision.

However, what no one told you was that the previous tenants, who were in the same business as you, didn’t win any friends in the community because their clientele was less than courteous to the neighboring establishments and people of the community.

Now you find yourself faced with the arduous task of trying to convince local community officials, business owners, and residents that your clientele doesn’t behave in that manner and that they would be an asset to the community.

That is the position that our client Manhattan Music Group/Terminal 5 found themselves in. Below is a case study from our work as one of the leading community relations firms in New York acting on behalf of Terminal 5.

The New Kid in Town

Problem: The Manhattan Music Group, which operates several of New York City’s largest live music venues (including The Bowery Ballroom and The Music Hall of Williamsburg), had leased a large, vacant facility at 610 West 56th Street in Manhattan (now known as Terminal 5). The intent was to create a high-quality, 3,000+ capacity venue, which required major physical renovation of the structure. Manhattan Music Group was also seeking a liquor license for the facility. Unfortunately there was a very serious problem facing them. Since the property had a notorious reputation stemming from the previous occupants’ activities, the local community was rightly concerned about the site, and mobilized to vehemently oppose any effort to open a music venue or permit a liquor license at the location. Tenant associations, property owners, elected officials and other interested parties began to mount a strong fight.

Putting it All on the Table
Strategy: At Capalino+Company we realized that the new operator was a complete “polar opposite” from the previous occupant, with a strong track record in other neighborhoods. Capalino+Company identified all of the community’s concerns, which included (but were not limited to): noise, safety, traffic, trash, overcrowding of local sidewalks, parking, lighting and disrespect from the community.

In response, Capalino+Company devised a multi-point plan that addressed each issue. Working with the community, we were able to address everyone’s concerns. This included multiple meetings with groups, individuals, tenant associations; letters and emails; and constant creative solutions to other problems that were of concern to the neighbors. In addition, Capalino+Company worked to resolve a variety of long-standing permit problems and violations at the property.

Let the Music Play!
Result: Capalino+Company eliminated all concerns that had been raised by the community and elected officials by providing thorough information and anticipating questions. Where legitimate problems were identified, Capalino+Company worked quickly with Manhattan Music Group to create a solution. The Community Board approved the liquor license application, as did the State Liquor Authority.

Are your entreaties to the city and state of New York falling on deaf ears? We can assist you. If you need help with community relations in New York, call us. Capalino+Company, helps our clients to be heard loud and clear by city agencies.