Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo's Jack Rabbit faces a complaint from the State Liquor Authority over noise, and that could mean an end to live music. The president of the Elmwood Village Association says that could change the entire neighborhood.
Therese Deustchlander of the Elmwood Village Association says Jack Rabbit is an excellent business neighbor.
"They've gone above and beyond, even before they opened, reaching out to fellow businesses and making sure everybody knew their plans, and adding a their plan being to add a lot of vibrancy to the area," said Deutschlander in an interview with WBEN.
According to Deustchlander, an isolated group of neighbors is behind the complaints.
"The Elmwood Village Association facilitated a meeting with the offended, you could say neighbors, and they were really not willing to be receptive, or just be receptive at all to what the respectful business owners were trying to propose," Deustchlander added.
She says Jack Rabbit's owners have spent their own money to soundproof their business.
If the State Liquor Authority shuts down Jack Rabbit's music, Deustchlander believes it could lead to a bigger problem for the entire neighborhood.
"This is not a purely residential neighborhood," she explained. "We certainly have pockets of residential areas, but if you live directly on Elmwood, there is going to be vibrancy and there is going to be nightlife. That is what makes us fun. If the SLA does succeed in shutting down a local small business because of a couple, and I emphasize a couple very vocal neighbors that is detrimental to the business district as a whole."
The State Liquor Authority says it doesn't comment on complaints or investigations. Jack Rabbit's declined to comment until the matter is resolved.
There is an ongoing petition to allow music to continue.