Cops temporarily shut down a troubled Greenpoint club on Feb. 2, warning the dance hall next door to their precinct to clean up its act or face even stiffer sanctions.
Deputy Inspector Terence Hurson, the commanding officer of Greenpoint’s 94th Precinct, said he got a court order to close Club Europa on Manhattan Avenue because of several violent incidents including a fight among patrons that turned into a brawl with officers.
“It’s not just one incident, this is basically a restraining order,” said Hurson. “This has been in the works for a long time — we have had problems with underage drinking, numerous larcenies and assaults on patrons.”
Michael Siwiec, the owner of the nightclub known for its DJ-driven dance parties and Polish programming, negotiated an agreement with the city on Monday that will allow him to reopen on Friday if he adds security cameras and hires licensed security guards, cops said.
But if Club Europa violates the court agreement, police say it will be even easier to shut the venue down.
“If or when problems start happening again I will contact NYPD legal to take action,” said Hurson.
A Europa manager promised the club will only be closed for one week and declined to comment further.
Community leaders were surprised that the police shuttered the Polish club.
“We never had any complaints about Club Europa ever at the Community Board, noise or otherwise,” said CB1 public safety committee co-chairman Mieszko Kalita. “They are neighbors to the precinct, so you suspect there would be no complaints.”
The venue paid a $2,000 fine in 2010 after failing to meet health code and local regulations, according to a State Liquor Authority spokesman.
Reach reporter Aaron Short at ashort@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2547.
