Babbo Plans to Make Changes to Appease NIMBYs

On Wednesday night, reps from Babbo appeared at the Community Board 2's land use committee meeting to rally support for at 10-year zoning permit that the restaurant needs to keep doing business on Waverly Place. The board members argued that Babbo should have to make some upgrades to the space to eliminate noise and exhaust before it gets the permit renewal. According to a report from DNAinfo, committee chairman Tobi Bergman told the team: "You should have to prove [the solutions] are working before you get the permit."

Babbo neighbor/legendary NIMBY Doris Diether was at the meeting, and so was another neighbor who complained about vibrations and noise coming from the space. Babbo's lawyer explained that the restaurant is planning some major work to fix these problems, including soundproofing the exhaust fans, and extending the exhaust duct. The restaurant has hired a small army of experts to help make these changes.

The Board of Standards and Appeals has the final say on whether or not Babbo gets the permit renewal. This morning, Mario Batali tweeted that the team was "in progress toward peaceful resolution" with the neighbors.
· Board Rejects Mario Batali's Zoning Request [DNAInfo]
· Lifelong Village Crusader Leading Charge Against Babbo [~ENY~]
[Krieger]