Baku Palace

Baku Palace

Category: Community Relations

Subcategory: Licensing/Permitting

Problem: Baku Palace, a well-known and highly respected restaurant in Sheepshead Bay, discovered that its private functions were in conflict with the location’s zoning. Since much of its revenues were derived from these events (such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, and religious festivities) this created a major problem when they had to cease holding events. The owner asked Capalino to help identify the technical problems and resolve them so that they could resume holding events, which were critically important to New York’s large Azerbaijani-Jewish community.

Strategy: Capalino worked closely with the Department of City Planning to identify the technical problem facing Baku Palace, which was complicated due to multiple conflicting zoning and permit issues, as well as the building’s location within the Sheepshead Bay Special District. Community Relations as well as local government relations played a pivitol role in the negotiations due to the facility’s importance to the community. Presentations and meetings were held with elected officials to inform them of the situation and secure their support. Capalino worked closely with City agencies to identify possible solutions that would meet the needs of Baku Palace and the community.

Result: After more than a year of working with the Department of City Planning a solution was found, and the ULURP Application that would allow Baku Palace to apply for the appropriate Special Permit was completed. In addition, because an Environmental Assessment Statement was required, Capalino worked closely with the environmental consultant to prepare the EAS for submission. Capalino is now waiting for the final EAS review before submitting the ULURP application.