Photo Credit: Hell Gate

Executives behind the upcoming Pacha NYC venue faced skeptical Brooklyn residents this week during a public meeting about the club’s liquor license, promising the new operation will not repeat the problems that plagued the former Brooklyn Mirage.

During a hearing with Brooklyn Community Board 1, Pacha CEO Kabir Mulchandani presented plans for the company’s takeover of the Avant Gardner complex in East Williamsburg. According to reporting by Hell Gate, Mulchandani emphasized that the new club would operate differently than the Mirage, which developed a controversial reputation before shutting down.

“It has become exceptionally clear that there were many challenges that this venue faced,” Mulchandani said during the meeting, arguing that past issues were caused by management rather than the venue itself.

A Venue With a Complicated History

The Brooklyn Mirage opened in 2017 as part of the larger Avant Gardner complex and quickly became one of New York City’s most prominent electronic music venues. Over the years, it hosted major artists including Charlotte de Witte, Fisher, and Zedd.

But the venue’s later years were marked by controversy. Neighbors frequently complained about noise and crowds, while some events were criticized for overselling tickets and long security lines.

The venue ultimately closed following a troubled renovation attempt and financial difficulties that led its parent company to file for bankruptcy in 2025.

Pacha’s Proposed Changes

During the community board meeting, Pacha executives outlined several changes they say will improve operations and reduce disruptions to the surrounding neighborhood.

Among the upgrades discussed:

• A digital entry system connected to an app to track attendance and ensure the venue stays below its legal capacity
• AI-powered security gates designed to speed up entry while reducing invasive searches
• Free shuttle buses to nearby L train stations to help attendees leave the area after events
• A redesigned sound system aimed at reducing neighborhood noise complaints
• New cell towers and street lighting to improve safety for rideshare pickups.

Mulchandani also said Pacha has already issued credits to fans who purchased tickets for canceled Brooklyn Mirage events.

Residents Remain Divided

The meeting drew passionate responses from both critics and supporters of the proposed venue.

Some residents warned that large nightlife venues have already strained the neighborhood with noise, sanitation issues, and late-night crowds. Others raised concerns about emergency services and public safety.

At the same time, representatives from local business groups and nightlife supporters argued that large venues play an important role in the city’s cultural and economic ecosystem.

Despite the tension, Pacha executives expressed confidence that the new club can rebuild trust with the community.

“There’s a lot of lack of trust, and that I’m being held accountable for what other people did,” Mulchandani said after the meeting. “But once people see what we do this season… it’s going to be different.”

The Future of Pacha NYC

The Ibiza-born nightlife brand plans to reopen the venue this year as Pacha New York, marking the company’s return to the city after its original Manhattan club closed in 2016.

If approved, the new venue will operate seasonally in the outdoor space while the Great Hall inside Avant Gardner hosts events year-round.

For New York’s electronic music scene, the reopening could restore one of the city’s largest dance music venues — but the community board meeting shows the club still has work to do to win over its neighbors.