By Howard Koplowitz
To the delight of civic leaders and residents, The Blue Room, the controversial cafe/club on Union Turnpike near 248th Street, has closed.
“There were so many problems going on with them,” said Bruno DeFranceschi, president of the North Bellerose Civic Association.
The 105th Precinct was credited with removing The Blue Room from the premises at 248-13 Union Tnpk March 14.
Deputy Inspector Joseph Courtesis, commanding officer of the 105th Precinct, said the precinct worked with the landlord of the property to kick out The Blue Room.
“We had some issues with the place, some violence issues,” Courtesis said.
In March 2010, a fight erupted outside the club in an incident in which a Bellerose teen was charged with attempted murder and assault, with the victim suffering extensive brain damage.
In November, someone was shot twice in the leg near the establishment.
The next month, an all-hands fire broke out at The Blue Room, but a city Fire Department spokesman said the blaze did not appear suspicious.
The Blue Room had angered civic leaders and residents for what they say were rowdy customers outside the club. They also said the establishment held late-night parties that disrupted the neighborhood.
Court papers showed The Blue Room filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy July 18 but is trying to get the case dismissed in Brooklyn federal court.
The club’s attorney, Narissa Joseph, could not be reached for comment.
The space is currently vacant.
“It took too long, but I’m glad it’s finally closed,” said Glen Oaks Village President Bob Friedrich. “I’m glad that it finally closed, although I won’t be happy until I see some other occupant inside it.”
DeFranceschi said the commanding officer of the 105th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Joseph Courtesis, recently got in touch with The Blue Room’s landlord and “forced him to take action.”
“The people are ecstatic that they’ve found out” The Blue Room closed, DeFranceschi said, “especially on the south side of 248th” Street. “They’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
