Plans for new Tao Nightclub in Greenpoint met with community backlash

The hospitality group presented its proposal to Community Board 1 and were met immediately met with opposition.

Marissa Santorelli

Jul 18, 2024, 10:00 AM

Updated 120 days ago

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The vacant venue on 25 Franklin St. in Greenpoint, formerly known as "House of Vans," is the proposed site for the newest addition to the Tao Nightclub franchise.
The venue is proposed to hold over 1,000 people and remain open until 4 a.m. The hospitality group presented its proposal to Community Board 1 and were met immediately met with opposition.
"Because we have directly next door to it is a very sensitive ecological piece of land," Assembly Member Emiyl Gallagher explained, "it would vastly disrupt this piece of land that we've been protecting".
Located on the Bushwick Inlet, advocates say the next hot spot will not only disrupt residents and traffic, but the ecosystems surrounding it.
"I think this location is the wrong location and we are happy to work with Tao to help them find a more appropriate location in our district," said Gallagher.
Gallagher said her office received hundreds of messages in opposition.
One resident told News 12 he thinks this is a great idea, "There's a lot of different options around here. A lot more music venues would actually really help Greenpoint out a lot. So I'm actually really excited for it personally," he said.
Another resident named Daniel, is a part of The McGolrick Bird Club. The club has expressed concern for this project.
"I'm of two minds. I love to dance, but at the same time, I don't want my precious birds' wildlife to be encroached upon," said Daniel, "as humans, we have to strike a balance between development and preservation of the wilderness."