Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
Council Denies Extended-hour Liquor Sales
Current Restaurant Alcohol Hours to Remain Unchanged in Highland Village
By Adrian McCandless
Staff Writer
Highland Village City Council members unanimously voted against extending the sale of alcohol at Tuesday’s meeting.
Many residents voiced opposition for extending the sale of alcohol during the meeting.
Highland Village resident Margo Merrill who lives near FM 407 said her property has been struck by drunk drivers on numerous occasions.
"The third incident, a drunk driver plowed into our home — just inches away from our master bedroom window," she said.
She added that if the car was turned slightly, the vehicle would have come through the window and into her bedroom.
"I know there is revenue to be gained by restaurants, clubs and even to the city –– please consider the costs for hard working families in Highland Village," Merrill said. "A vote for 'no’ against extending the hours is a vote for safety."
Although there was opposition, many restaurant and bar owners spoke in favor of extending the hours.
Carmelita’s Latin Cocina co-owner Dennis Costa said his restaurant had a successful Saturday night party which vanished after Lewisville passed extended hours to sell alcohol about a year ago.
"The business owners are requesting to even the playing field," he said. "Extended hours will allow us to be more competitive with surrounding communities."
Legends Sports Bar and Grill owner Eric Linton said residents are driving further to drink, but still drive back into the community.
"People are still going to drink, and all we are doing it driving them to Lewisville and Dallas," he said.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Louis Robichaux said he was personally in favor in extending the sale of alcohol, but said he couldn’t support passing the ordinance.
"There is a fine line between a representative democracy and a direct democracy," he said. "We’re up here as representatives of the voters. There are things in our desecration to vote on, then there are things that logically should go to the voters."
Council member Jon Calvin said he has to balance the interest of all of the residents and businesses, and do what’s best for the city.
Mayor Dianne Costa and council member Austin Adams recused themselves from the discussion citing a conflict of interest.
In other business, council members approved a site plan for the expansion of DKH Academy located on Briarhill Boulevard.
DKH Academy Director Shelley Easler said the expansion of a new building and existing driveway will improve the previous traffic congestion on Briarhill and Highland Shores Boulevards. She added the new driveway will allow stacking of 20 additional cars, and the new facility will have a room where children can be dropped off early.
Currently DKH Academy has about 95 students enrolled. Easler said the new building will be licensed for 112 additional students.
This year, DKH Academy was also one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
"DKH Academy is a valued asset," Adams said. "I’m glad you’re expanding it and taking in more youth."
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