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@Jasper Note: I am not in favor of allowing any business to open anywhere, anyway, anyhow. But I believe it is up to the city (local jurisdiction) to make sure there are city-wide rules that balance the interests of everyone. And that is exactly why we live in a democracy. We hand the power to to take these difficult decisions over to elected folks who can then weigh all interests.

Funny thing is I heard essentially the same exact statement made by one of the lead protestants in the Hank's case ...

He believes that if the District accepted its responsibility to do all the proper planning exactly in the manner you state he wouldn't have to be out there "doing the District's job" as he put it. And you know what, he might be right ... And you too.

For example, he said he feels that if the District were setting the rules, they'd not permit ANY establishments to have patios open past 11 weekdays or 12 midnight weekends where there are residences within a certain distance of them. He also pointed out that if the District were doing its job, they'd be the ones pulling licenses from restaurants and bars that didn't properly dispose of their trash. (That's a big problem because if not handled properly, rats have nightly feasts in the alleys.)

So, maybe you're on to something. However, beware ... the other side of the coin is that when you have a District-wide body making rules that are applicable to all parts of the District under all circumstances, you're sure to end up with more conservative rules ... especially since this Board is ultimately responsible to the politicians who place them there, and the politicians are still subject to those who scream the loudest.

I suspect if it ever comes to where you and the lead protestant against Hank's get your way, that the restaurants nowadays working so hard to kill the V.A.s might end up regretting them. Nowadays they have someone at the local level to deal with the get some flexibility in the rules. When they're set from on high, that flexibility will be gone.

Sometimes you get what you wish for.

by Lance on Nov 30, 2010 2:24 pm • link • report

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