Hotel and residential development brings unwanted nightlife to Hell’s Kitchen

Along with all the new hotels and residential developments rising in the formerly crime-infested Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, liquor licenses are also on the rise. According to the Wall Street Journal, that has enraged many residents. Today, local politicians, police and other officials will meet to address the issue.

The State Liquor Authority has approved 699 liquor licenses for the area, which stretches from 42nd to 57th streets west of Eighth Avenue. The bars and clubs have proliferated to serve the younger crowds drawn to the neighborhood for its proximity to Midtown, new developments, cheaper home prices and inexpensive hotels. Now, the crowds have gotten rowdy and residents worry that Hell’s Kitchen would revert to a problematic area.

The Journal said because of its proximity to Times Square and Midtown the area would likely never become the family-friendly enclave some of the angered residents envision.

In one high-profile battle, Boxers Sports Bar, which plans to cater to gay people, wants to open next to the playground of P.S. 111. Though the bar won’t open until 4 p.m., residents are irked by its proximity to a schoolyard. [WSJ]