CBGB to survive - until next Halloween, at least

After a courtroom battle which has raged back and forth for the better part of 2005, as well as a series of benefit shows resurrecting everyone from Gorilla Biscuits to Kid Dynamite for the cause, legendary New York City club CBGB has been removed from death row — for now, at least.



The club, whose lease ran out earlier this year and whose owner, Hilly Kristal, owed close to a hundred-thousand dollars in back-rent to his landlord, the Bowery Residents' Committee, has received an extension on its lease, through Oct. 31, 2006. It is not yet clear what will happen at that time, however it is presumed that this will be the official end of the club at its current location. New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg had this to say about the situation:


"I applaud the management of CBGB and the officials of the Bowery Residents Committee for working together to reach a year-long agreement that allows CBGB to continue serving audiences. For more than a quarter of a century, CBGB has served as an incubator for cutting edge artists and entertainers. With today’s agreement and our efforts, I believe CBGB will continue its prominent role in setting trends in music and culture.


Since the impasse between CBGB and Bowery Residents Committee, our administration has stressed the importance of resolving this dispute while suggesting alternative sites for CBGB to consider. We will continue to work with CBGB so that at the conclusion of the year-long agreement announced today, CBGB might identify a dynamic new venue in this City that is fitting of its rich history.


Along with being the landlord of the site from which CBGB operates from, the Bowery Residents Committee is a partner with our administration in our comprehensive efforts to end chronic homelessness. Last year the Bowery Residents Committee serviced 6,300 needy New Yorkers. This year, they expect to serve 7,000 individuals. Our administration will continue to work with the Bowery Residents Committee so that together, we might meet the needs of our City’s most vulnerable residents."


Kristal has been reported as looking at moving the club, in name only, to a new location in Manhattan, as well as possibly opening a second CBGB in Las Vegas.

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