To UpDoNA Members:
UpDoNA has formed a Good Neighbor Committee (GNC) and was developed to emulate a similar LoDoNA committee that that has had many successes. The purpose of the committee is to negotiate agreements with prospective liquor license applicants in order to influence their behavior in this mixed business/residential area. We want them to act as “Good Neighbors”. In exchange for signing the “Good Neighbor Agreement” (GNA), UpDoNA will support the applicant in its liquor license hearing with Excise & Licenses. This committee was approved by UpDoNA’s Board of Directors. Other current members of the committee are Ron Townsend, Sal Tripodi, Pam Oredson and Dave Oredson. Although it isn’t foolproof, we believe this process will lead to better outcomes than would be experienced without the Good Neighbor Committee.
The committee has already worked on its first license application. In early June a corporation, Higher Power Entertainment (HPC) LLC, submitted to the city and state a liquor and dance cabaret license application for a new bar and dance club to be located at 820 15th St. The new bar (4 Play Whiskey & Tequila and 99 Bottles) will encompass the old Shag and Leela space.
Members of our Committee as well as members of the UpDoNA Board met with the new owners and their attorney. We discussed our questions and concerns and negotiated a GNA specifying various aspects (noise, hours, security, trash, etc.) of the new business. The owners agreed to all our terms and have signed the GNA. Committee members also attended and testified at the public licensing hearing held with Excise & Licenses on 8/23. We are awaiting the Hearing Officer’s decision.
Garis Smith
Chair of GNC
