Now more waiting... The hearing examiner has 30 days to file her report with the PLCB with a recommendation on how they should rule; then the board makes the final decision.
Here's a brief recap of the hearing:
There were about 20 people in attendance at the hearing to oppose the Lucky Old Souls liquor license application. As the hearing went on, it became clear that the opposition was spearheaded by the owner of the luncheonette across the street, who has a longstanding feud with the owners of 1713 McKean St., my future landlords. Testifying against my application were the pastor of a nearby church who had previously stated in writing his support of my plans (including the liquor license application); the director of a preschool that had already been determined by the PLCB investigator to exceed the 300 ft. maximum distance required to file a protest; the director of a daycare center that the PLCB investigator determined to be ineligible to file a protest because it was not an educational institution; a neighboring resident who lived down the block and was chosen to speak on behalf of the opposition; and the owner of the building next door to my proposed location. The opposition expressed general concerns that they admitted they would have about any new liquor license application in the neighborhood---fights in the street, drunk driving, and the like. It was pretty clear that they knew little or nothing about my actual plans. The neighbor from down the block said she'd prefer a vacant building to a bar. The owner of the building next door first claimed that he "resided" there, but when he was confronted with the fact that the property is zoned for industrial use and asked about the home he owns on Broad St., he wavered.
It was disappointing--and telling--that all but one of the opponents left the hearing before my lawyer and I began to present our case. They didn't get to hear my testimony about my personal background, the history of the project, my work as a jazz promoter, the detailed architectural plans, the detailed plans to soundproof the building, etc. During my testimony I was also able to talk about the letters of support that members of the jazz community--including Suzanne Cloud of Jazz Bridge, Micah Jones, Tony Miceli, Joanna Pascale, and Madison Rast--had submitted to the PLCB. Testifying next was my future landlord, a former 20+ year resident of the neighborhood who has owned and operated a business in the neighborhood for many years. He and his wife have been planting trees and cleaning up the neighborhood for decades. We also presented testimony from Jim Resta, the president of Newbold Neighbors Association, the civic association in the area. I have been working with NNA for well over 2 years, and they enthusiastically support my plans. Next, my architect testified about the detailed plans we have to soundproof the building, based on our consultation with an acoustical engineer. The hearing went on for so long that not all of my supporters from the neighborhood were able to stay, but one immediate neighbor was still able to testify in support of the application.
I want to thank everyone who came to show their support--Q., Ben, Miss P., Aunt Rosie, Rhenda, Mharlyn, Karina, Willa, David L., Scott V., Jim & Beth, everyone from NNA, Cara, Matt S., June, Tim H., Alban, Anam, Billy T., Mike G., Andrew from West Passyunk Neighbors Assoc., and everyone else. You're all now part of the LOS family.
More soon...