The Lot Radio to Reopen to the Public After Eight-Month Hiatus
After closing to the public in October 2024, the Brooklyn-based independent radio station will host listeners again starting July 11.
Rachel Narozniak
Following an eight-month closure of its café and seating section, The Lot Radio will formally reopen to the public on July 11.
The New York-based independent online station, hosted within a reclaimed shipping container on a vacant lot in Greenpoint, was required to temporarily halt its food and beverage service last October, following an order from city officials tied to health code violations. The violations, Lot Radio founder Francois Vaxelaire told Resident Advisor in 2024, were not health or sanitation-related offenses, but rather "the result of us applying for major renovations and being in a temporary undetermined status with New York City's Department of Buildings."
In a July 8 Instagram post announcing the café and seating section's impending return, the non-profit station addressed the financial hardship caused by the temporary loss of its key source of income.
"It has been an incredibly difficult time…The project has never been so fragile and on the verge of disappearing," the staff wrote. "Thankfully, the city administration is full of incredible people, and the team at the Office of Nightlife has been working non-stop with us to be able to come up with solutions to meet the requests of the Department of Health and Department of Buildings."
Although its kiosk and gathering area were closed to the public, the electronic hub's programming continued during this period. Now, thanks to its collaboration with city officials, The Lot Radio is permitted to reopen to patrons on July 11. It will remain open every day, from noon to midnight, moving forward.
"And for everyone who asked how they can help, here is your chance: come for the reopening, come back the next day, and the next and the next… Send friends our way, order 10 beers instead of one, offer a bottle to a stranger, over-tip our lovely baristas… Make the Lot your summer hang and enjoy it as much as possible! We missed you and need you to make this season a special one," the team added.
Since opening in February of 2016, the Brooklyn hotspot has welcomed live DJ sets from local talent and high-profile acts alike, including Four Tet, Fred again.., and Nina Kraviz, among others.
