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Pacha New York Faces Skepticism Over Plans for Former Brooklyn Mirage Site
Locals raise concerns over noise, safety, and community impact as Pacha seeks liquor license approval
Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:40pm
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As a new music venue seeks to open in a contentious neighborhood, the community's concerns over noise, safety, and quality of life clash with the venue's promises of improvement.NYC TodayThe team from Pacha New York faced pushback from the local community board as they sought approval for a liquor license to take over the former Brooklyn Mirage venue. Residents expressed skepticism about Pacha's promises to address the issues that plagued the previous operator, Avant Gardner, including chronic overcrowding, safety concerns, and noise complaints. Pacha's CEO acknowledged the Mirage's troubled history but blamed it on poor management, pledging a smaller, simpler venue with new sound-reduction measures and security policies. However, community members remained doubtful, citing the neighborhood's overabundance of nightlife venues and the lack of consultation with neighboring districts.
Why it matters
The fate of the former Brooklyn Mirage site is a contentious issue that highlights the ongoing tensions between the local community and the influx of large-scale entertainment venues in the area. Residents are concerned about the impact on quality of life, public safety, and the character of the neighborhood, while the venue operators argue they can strike a balance between economic opportunity and community needs. The outcome of Pacha's liquor license application will set the tone for how future development in the area is approached.
The details
Pacha and its parent company, FIVE Holdings, have been approved to take over operations of the old Mirage and its sister venue, The Great Hall, after the failure and bankruptcy of Avant Gardner. While the deal has been settled and tickets sold for opening weekend, Pacha still needs a liquor license, which means seeking the advisory approval of Community Board 1. Pacha's CEO, Kabir Mulchandani, acknowledged the Mirage's challenges but blamed them on poor management, promising a smaller, simpler venue with new sound-reduction measures and security policies. However, community members remained skeptical, citing the neighborhood's overabundance of nightlife venues and the lack of consultation with neighboring districts.
- Pacha has already sold 16,000 tickets for an event in June, even though they have not yet received approval for their liquor license.
- Pacha's temporary liquor license application is set to be heard by the SLA board next month.
The players
Kabir Mulchandani
The chair and chief executive officer of FIVE Holdings, Pacha's parent company.
Max Bookman
Pacha's lawyer.
Avant Gardner
The previous operator of the Brooklyn Mirage venue, which went bankrupt.
Lily Fan
The chair of the New York State Liquor Authority.
Nydia Velázquez
A U.S. Representative who, along with other elected officials, sent a letter to the SLA asking for a delay in the application review.
What they’re saying
“'Once talking to members of the community, it has become exceptionally clear that there were many challenges this venue faced, but I don't think the venue deserves the blame. It's the management that deserves the blame.'”
— Kabir Mulchandani, CEO, FIVE Holdings
“'How can we trust you when you've already sold 16,000 tickets for an event you're having in June and you haven't even gotten approved yet, as far as I know, for your liquor license?'”
— Julia Amanda Foster, Community Board 1 member
“'We are asking for a chance. This can be done where you give us a temporary approval, we come back in October, we come back after a season's been done. Put us to the test. Do whatever you reasonably need to do to test us. Hold me accountable. But give me an opportunity.'”
— Kabir Mulchandani, CEO, FIVE Holdings
“'I would love to give him a chance. I would also love for there to be stipulations in place so when they break that trust, and when they violate the things that they've agreed to do, that there are consequences to that.'”
— Nina Melendez, Resident
“'The Pacha site is in an M3 heavy industrial zoned area located in an already-established nightlife district. Loud noises are supposed to happen in heavy industrial zoned nightlife areas.'”
— Brian Konash, Bushwick resident
What’s next
The full liquor license application for Pacha New York is still being weighed by the State Liquor Authority. In the meantime, Pacha has applied for a temporary license, which is set to be heard by the SLA board next month. If granted, the temporary license would come with restrictions like a midnight closing time and no outdoor music.
The takeaway
The battle over the future of the former Brooklyn Mirage site highlights the ongoing tensions between entertainment venues and local communities in rapidly changing neighborhoods. While Pacha promises improvements, residents remain skeptical and are calling for strict oversight and consequences if the venue fails to address their concerns about noise, safety, and community impact. The outcome of Pacha's liquor license application will set an important precedent for how development in the area is approached going forward.
