Manhattan Beach residents fear that a new two-story restaurant on Oxford Street will attract rowdy co-eds from nearby Kingsborough Community College — giving them yet another reason to square-off with the young adults.
“It’s absolutely moronic to have this in a residential area,” said Oriental Boulevard resident Flori Kostoff. “And if they’re going to make a lot of noise, the police will be down there all the time.”
Property owner Roman Midyany began converting a one-story home between Oriental and Shore Boulevards into an as-of-right two-story eatery last year. When it opens, it will be one of only a handful of commercial establishments in the area, but the fourth on the block that already has a deli, a pizzeria and a Chinese takeout.
But many are concerned that unlike the single-storefront eateries, the new restaurant will be two floors of partying. Still others say that it will make parking on the peninsula even more difficult.
“I don’t like it at all,” said Cy Schoenfeld, who lives down the block.
Indeed, Midyany is allowed to open a restaurant, as the property is in a commercial zone that allows for a building up to two-stories high. The zoning frustrates residents, but pleases Kingsborough Community College students who say there aren’t enough hang-outs near campus.
“People would definitely go to this place when it opens up,” said student Baris Guleo, who added that he hopes the restaurant serves gyros.
Midyany could not be reached for comment, but Community Board 15 Chairwoman Theresa Scavo said Midyany has not yet applied for a liquor license.
This isn’t the first time that Manhattan Beach residents and Kingsborough students haven’t seen eye-to-eye. Most recently, locals were infuriated at students who parked illegally and blocked driveways.
