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Dupont Circle Neighborhood NEWS |
Kozy Korner / Lauren Residents ABC Negotiations Update
by Mike Silverstein, David Lilling, and Elizabeth
VanderPutten
November 17, 2003
The DC Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) held a mediation session Friday November 14th involving the Kozy Korner application for major changes to its liquor license.
Wally Issa and his attorney Robert Harris appeared on behalf of the Kozy Korner.
Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) Commissioner Vince Micone, Commissioner-elect Mike Silverstein, Elizabeth VanderPutten and Dave Lilling appeared on behalf of those opposing the application.
Mr. Issa and Mr. Harris told the mediator that the applicant has had a spotless record and needed the extra hours to make up for business lost since 9/11 due to reduced tourism.
Commissioner Micone told the mediator that allowing the establishment to remain open all night on weekends would inevitably lead to noise and public safety issues, as well as making current vandalism problems worse.
Commissioner Micone and Commissioner-elect Silverstein repeatedly asked Mr. Issa to make an offer that would be more consistent with the neighborhood needs and concerns. Mr. Micone indicated that the Lauren residents would be willing to discuss some later or earlier hours.
Mr. Issa stated he had the right to operate his business as he sees fit and needed to remain open all night on weekends -- and thus would make no counter-offer.
The mediator suggested the session end with no agreement.
A status hearing has been set for December 10th, at which both sides will tell the Board that no agreement has been reached. At that point, a protest hearing will be scheduled, most likely sometime in February or March.
Lauren residents remain open to any offer of compromise by the Kozy Korner.
Mike Silverstein (705)
Dave Lilling (203)
Elizabeth VanderPutten (1004)