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Sunny's Bar In Red Hook Has Sights Set On June Reopening
By
Lauren Evans
Published Apr 18, 2013
Modified Apr 18, 2013
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John Del Signore/Gothamist
By
Lauren Evans
Published Apr 18, 2013
Modified Apr 18, 2013
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Sunny's Bar, the beloved Red Hook watering hole thoroughly clobbered by Sandy, is hosting a May Day fundraiser in attempt to finance the pricey reconstruction required to push the bar to a June reopening.
"We got the permits, and we've got the contractor on board," said Tone Johansen, one of the bar's co-owners and the wife of the gregarious Sunny Balzano. "We've ordered a lot of work that we can't pay for." Johansen said that she's waiting for the final word from engineers on the state of the bar's foundation, at which point work can begin. According to a release, the May Day Party will kick-off a month-long fundraising campaign:
Restoring an historic bar is no easy task. Over the years, Sunny’s has done amazing things with little resources. We have been working relentlessly after the flood to piece things back together. There is new boiler, hot water-heater, new gas-line from the street, new electric service, new compressor, countless smaller repairs and incredible volunteer help. The Kick-starter campaign and other financial help paid for these expenses. We had no idea at the time of the scope of the work we are looking at now. We have the engineers' report to prove it. The work we need in the basement has already been surveyed and drawn. Our engineer is self-certifying to help speed up the process. As soon as we get the permit from the DOB, we'll start digging!
The benefit itself will be held on May 1st at the Bell House and feature several acts, including the Red Hook Ramblers, John Pinamonti, Li’l Mo and the Monicats, Kings’ County Blues Band and Luna Sisters. Tickets are $30—buy 'em here.
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