Queen of Sheba License Hearing Today

Just got back from the ABRA hearing on the Queen of Sheba's liquor license (it was still going on, but I had to leave after an hour and a half). In addition to Campbell Johnson and another lady from Shiloh (whose name I didn't catch), there were about six people from the protesting group, including Mary Sutherland and Barbara Curtis (who didn't say anything while I was there).

I was asked to testify on behalf of QOS, which I was happy to do. The questions mostly had to do with what I had observed in the restaurant (good food, friendly service, nice atmosphere, nothing in the least disruptive or disorderly), conditions elsewhere on the block (derelict houses, vagrancy, trash, etc.), and the effect that QOS had had on the surroundings (more life on the block, better appearance, improved sense of safety--all totally positive). Alex Padro was next up and talked about the conditions in the immediate area before the restaurant opened and current plans for development. He presented a petition signed by neighborhood residents some time ago in favor of the liquor licenses for Vegetate and QOS, along with a imagery map showing where the 50-60 signers live (as well as the half-dozen opponents). I thought it was pretty effective; Campbell Johnson and company objected to its being accepted as an exhibit, but in vain. Then Johnson asked for a recess. Everyone groaned, but the chair granted him 5 minutes. I skedaddled back to work at that point, since this was obviously going to continue for quite some time. No one else other than the owners and their lawyer was there to support the QOS cause.

My impression was that the Board was pretty impatient with the protestants and their tactics, so I fervently hope this will be the end of this farce and QOS will get the licence today. Enough is enough, already! It is outrageous that the ABRA board has allowed this to be dragged out so long with the endless do-over opportunities for the opponents. Mr. Misgina and his family have been tortured way too much already.

The opponents seem to be clutching at straws, making nonsensical incoherent arguments (more insinuations, really, than arguments) about parking, noise, taxi cab drivers (what?!). Given the impact of Shiloh's malign neglect on the block and the church's effect on parking, their hypocrisy is truly stunning. It's hard to avoid concluding that their only real agenda is to stifle any positive development and change in the neighborhood that would in any way threaten their sense of special entitlement. Shame, shame, shame!