drugs, lewd conduct and other alcohol-related problems regularly
occurring near the current Dimples. The argument made by Dimples was
that this conduct did not come from their patrons. Where does Dimples
think these intoxicated individuals are coming from at 2 a.m.,
McDonalds, the 99 Cent Only Store?
How could city leaders justify allowing such an inappropriate use
at this site? The City Council missed its opportunity to live up to
its oft-stated neighborhood protection concerns and redirect this
adult entertainment operation to a more appropriate location.
Mayor Jef Vander Borght's self-assurance that valet parking will
make this bar/nightclub more palatable and adequately insulate the
community was overly optimistic, simplistic and remains doubtful.
Councilman Todd Campbell was reassured enough to vote down the appeal
on the hope that city staff would be able to enforce all the 50-plus
conditions of approval. Then again, he lives across town and the
nightly partying does not gear up until after his bedtime.
Dimples certainly will not be disturbing Campbell's sleep!
Councilwoman Stacey Murphy expressed some very valid concerns about
parking inadequacies. Nonetheless, she gave Dimples the thumbs up.
So much for neighborhood protection! So much for the council's
repeated pronouncements of concerns for neighborhood protection that
consistently result in residents being less protected, more impacted
and their quality of life eroded in order to appease, accommodate and
entice favored businesses, developers, or other special interest
groups.
* DAVID W. GORDON is a resident of Burbank.
