Da-dum-dum, da-dum-dum, da-dum-dum-duhhh...

At the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) hearing on Tuesday, January 10, Uncle Lee's owners exhibited further evidence they are not ethical. You'll recall the hearing was to consider a minor modification application to extend the business hours to midnight.

The Office of Planning (OP) receives a copy of the application. Doing due diligence, OP informed the Zoning Administrator (ZA), which is in the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs. The ZA issued a finding that the owners applied for a separate tax lot/address for the liquor store. Raising into question whether the extension request is for the carryout or the liquor store.

Based on the ZA's information OP recommended that BZA not rule because the body doesn't have jurisdiction over the extended hours request; the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) does because the request is for the liquor store.

OP & ZA rightly saw through the hours extension application as one for the liquor store, not the carryout. Uncle Lee's owners are trying to skirt the ABRA process using the BZA application as cover.

This instance provides evidence that no leniency is needed for this nuisance business, its owners, or the landlord.

BZA "out of an abundance of caution" extended left the record open until February 7 to give the applicant, Eun Sun Kim, a chance to clarify. However, the board is inclined to deny the application at the February hearing. If you cannot attend the continuance hearing at 441 4th St. NW Rm. 270N (One Judiciary Square), the hearing will be live webcast.

P.S. Thanks to Through His Eyes Ministries  parishioner Marilyn Day for attending the hearing. Additional appreciation to neighbor Sherrie Lawson and Ward 7 Councilmember for their letters opposing the extended hours application.