HUD shuts down longtime Buffalo gay bar

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Hat tip, several commenters at Joe.My.God: http://www.joemygod.com/2018/04/27/court-grants-90-day-stay-in-case-against-cohentrump/

HUD shuts down longtime Buffalo gay bar

WKBW Staff

2:38 PM, Apr 27, 2018
9:23 PM, Apr 27, 2018

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - After more than 40 years, this weekend will be the last for a popular gay bar in Downtown Buffalo. ... The Department of Housing and Urban Development is shutting down the Underground on Delaware Avenue, citing complaints from residents who live in the floors above.

HUD says tenants of the Touraine Apartments have long complained about cigarette smoke, noise late at night and unruly patrons. The Underground's lease was also never authorized by HUD, a spokesperson said.

"While HUD recognizes the community sentiment surrounding the closure of The Underground, the Department's primary duty is to provide safe and decent housing for low-income seniors," said HUD spokesman Charles McNally. "Resident complaints detailed excessive noice and police activity that were directly impacting their quality of life. After careful consideration, HUD instructed the owner of Touraine Apartments to seek a commercial tenant more beneficial for the building's residents."

In February, HUD instructed the owner of the building to issue the bar a 60-day notice to vacate. It will close on Sunday night after a weekend of farewell festivities.

[unblock]

1. Hud spokesperson suggests a bakery that only serves straight people

[RandySF]

2. I wonder if HUD would do the same for any bar.

If so, then it’s a legitimate reason.

[left-of-center2012]

3. Could this be the reason?

I'm a Section 8 tenant in New Mexico, and this bar would be a problem for me:

From 'The Buffalo News' ...

The News obtained excerpts from three of the resident complaints,
which contained concerns about customers making noise on the corner past closing time,
urinating and vomiting in the bar's entryway,
police being called to the premises and suspicions of drug sales inside the bar.

... that Underground Niteclub patrons are rude to the residents, they sit on the steps of Touraine Apartments loitering.

Another resident said in a phone call to HUD that he or she "believes the new owner of the nightclub is less respectful and the patrons are less respectful and rowdy" than under its previous ownership.

http://buffalonews.com/2018/04/27/hud-shuts-down-the-underground-popular-gay-buffalo-hangout-since-1974/

" ... the Department's primary duty is to provide safe and decent housing for low-income seniors.
Resident complaints detailed excessive noise and police activity ..."

"The Underground's lease was also never authorized by HUD"

[RKP5637]

5. Bars can be really noisy unruly places unless the owner takes responsibility to keep it

under control. Some places even take responsibility to clear the place from loitering outside. My wondering is ... would HUD apply this equally to all bars ...