Welcome to NDG's commercial oasis, the Monkland Village. In addition to its own Second Cup, Multimags and Pizzédélic, the strip is also a hub of West-end night life. But while an iced mochaccino can soothe the soul, some residents are heating up over the commercial invasion. At the centre of the controversy is the year-old Typhoon Lounge. >> Last month, an anonymous neighbour circulated a memo calling for the closure of the bar. The memo was forged on City of Montreal letterhead, photocopied and distributed, making it appear as though closing Typhoon was an official city priority. >> The memo brought the issue to a boil and NDG councillor Michael Applebaum decided to get involved. "Yes, we want business," he told the Mirror. "But at the same time we want to respect our residents." He added that the quality of life for NDG residents has changed drastically, citing garbage, noise pollution and lack of parking as the main culprits. >> "The city gave me a permit and the city knows that people leave bars drunk," replied Typhoon co-owner Mike Silas,who admitted that he is nevertheless concerned about his patrons "pissing beside cars and yakking in driveways." >> "I'm not saying that we're going to be fully selfish and operate a biker bar," Silas explained. "I gave out my phone number and told people to call if there are any problems [with drunken disorderlies]." >> Following a meeting with neighbours last week, Silas also agreed to close the bar's terrace earlier and have a doorman monitor the outdoor noise level. He is also planning to develop a green space along one side of the bar. >> Applebaum is pleased with the concessions, but nonetheless wants to halt further commercial development on Monkland. Ultimately, however, Silas's advice to his neighbours is: "If you want peace and quiet, don't live 15 metres from Monkland." --Dominique Ritter
Welcome to NDG's commercial oasis, the Monkland Village. In addition to its own Second Cup, Multimags and Pizzédélic, the strip is also a hub of West-end night life. But while an iced mochaccino can soothe the soul, some residents are heating up over the commercial invasion. At the centre of the controversy is the year-old Typhoon Lounge. >> Last month, an anonymous neighbour circulated a memo calling for the closure of the bar. The memo was forged on City of Montreal letterhead, photocopied and distributed, making it appear as though closing Typhoon was an official city priority. >> The memo brought the issue to a boil and NDG councillor Michael Applebaum decided to get involved. "Yes, we want business," he told the Mirror. "But at the same time we want to respect our residents." He added that the quality of life for NDG residents has changed drastically, citing garbage, noise pollution and lack of parking as the main culprits. >> "The city gave me a permit and the city knows that people leave bars drunk," replied Typhoon co-owner Mike Silas, who admitted that he is nevertheless concerned about his patrons "pissing beside cars and yakking in driveways." >> "I'm not saying that we're going to be fully selfish and operate a biker bar," Silas explained. "I gave out my phone number and told people to call if there are any problems [with drunken disorderlies]." >> Following a meeting with neighbours last week, Silas also agreed to close the bar's terrace earlier and have a doorman monitor the outdoor noise level. He is also planning to develop a green space along one side of the bar. >> Applebaum is pleased with the concessions, but nonetheless wants to halt further commercial development on Monkland. Ultimately, however, Silas's advice to his neighbours is: "If you want peace and quiet, don't live 15 metres from Monkland." --Dominique Ritter