New restaurant proves noisy

Residents living near a new Latin restaurant off of Broadway are trying to take a bite out of noise.

During a Nov. 12 meeting of the 50th Precinct Community Council, several residents complained about loud sounds emanating from Barcelona Bites, located at 220 W. 242nd St. Buildings next to the restaurant, which converts to a nightclub on weekends, said Barcelona Bites was becoming a nuisance for area families and children.

Still, Barcelona Bites, which opened last month, is trying to take a proactive role in dealing with the problem before it gets out of hand.

Owner Urbano Estevez visited the local police station on Nov. 11 to talk with officer about reducing noise, according to Capt. Terence O’Toole, the commanding officer of the 50th.

“There’s certain methods they can use that can alleviate the noise,” Capt. O’Toole told residents at the Nov. 12 meeting. “After two 311 calls, I figured I’d park in the garage where the Manhattan College garage is… I sat back there and the noise is not bad until they open the back door.”

He described Mr. Estevez, who owned the Ibiza Lounge that occupied 220 W. 242nd St. for 12 years until closing, as cooperative and willing to help.

At a Nov. 19 meeting of Community Board 8’s Public Safety Committee, Mr. Estevez addressed the noise concerns.

“We were very considerate. We put in sound-reducing windows in the front and added curtains that are lined with a sound-proofing material,” he said. “We put in skylights when we were building — we’ve never had skylights before — and what we noticed was that noise was getting out through the skylights, so we’ve already ordered Plexiglas covers that should stop the noise.”

During a recent interview, Mr. Estevez emphasized he wants to work with the community.

“I grew up here. I know what this neighborhood is about,” he said. “We’re doing every thing possible.”