Proposed Gay Bar Near School Divides Locals

Plans to open a gay bar near a New York City school have outraged some locals, while others are left scratching their head at the controversy.

The owners of the popular gay watering hole Boxers in Chelsea have their eyes on a dilapidated building on Manhattan's west side that they plan to renovate and open as a bar.

Not everyone in the neighborhood is thrilled because the proposed site, in Hell's Kitchen, is near a school and a playground.

An attorney for the bar notes that "there are very specific rules and laws governing how far a 'liquor-licensed' establishment can be from a school or a church. We have investigated that -- we've done some area surveys -- and based upon what we've seen, so far we feel as though we are in compliance with the law."

One neighborhood resident told PIX 11 News that he didn't foresee a problem since schools and bars are typically not open during the same hours, while another local was quoted as saying, "I don't like it."

Still another, a woman identified as Carrie, said, "I have a son here and I would absolutely not object."

Residents pointed out that the neighborhood is already home to a restaurant that serves alcohol and a liquor store.

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