[RP TownTalk] Critical Issue for Small Business in Riverdale Park, PLEASE READ

Tue Nov 8 17:17:53 UTC 2011

Friends,

Since Councilman Olson has already received a few emails on this topic
today, I thought it may be helpful if I share some more details in regard
to this project.  Councilman Olson's office has been working extensively
with Jimmy Spiropolous, who is coordinating this project, and we are as
excited as you that they are growing their business.  Due to our work with
Jimmy and their experience with the process, we have requested the
following be explored to ensure that the process is smoother: 1) we have
requested that MUTC when meeting with applicants provide a checklist to
ensure that no step is overlooked;  2) we have requested in multiple
meetings that the County's permit process be reexamined (I understand it is
and we are regularly following up and assisting); and 3) we are looking at
other procedures that may need to be addressed to make the process smoother.

For a little addiitonal background, Riverdale Park MUTC guidelines require
a "special permit" for all liquor stores.  These guidelines were approved
by the Town when it worked with the County to establish the zone and the
uses allowed.  It is the standard in this juridisdication as well as others
that once a location changes, the owner needs to follow all new regulations
and existing requirements.  While the applicant should have been notified
of this need at an earlier stage, Park and Planning cannot decide which use
requirements to follow or not to follow.  They must enforce the regulations
in the existing MUTC zone.  A "special permit" does require additional
steps.

The process for Dumm's Corner Market has not been as easy as it could have
been.  And, while I cannot change that for them, except to continue to help
and support them at this stage, we can work to make it smoother for the
next applicant.  From my discussions with Park and Planning Staff, I
understand that the public hearing should go smoothly for Dumm's.  Please
know that we are doing everything possible to support this business.

Take care,

Dannielle Glaros
Chief of Staff
Councilman Eric Olson
dmglaros at co.pg.md.us

On Tue, Nov 8, 2011 at 9:17 AM, Bruce Wernek <bruce.wernek at verizon.net>wrote:

>  Dear Mr. Rushern L. Baker******
>
>  ****
>
> I am writing to inform you of what I consider to be the nonsensical
> adherence by the department of Parks and Planning to laws associated with
> the transfer of a liquor license (beer and wine) in Riverdale Park.  Apparently,
> Parks and Planning has no regard for the circumstances associated with the
> transfer of said license nor the consequences to the parties involved.  This
> nonsense is resulting in costly delays and financial distress for the owner
> of a landmark business, Dumm’s Corner Market, in Riverdale Park.  Please
> refer to the "Town Center Market, Permit No: 19412-2011” for more
> information.****
>
>  ****
>
> Mr. Pete Spiropoulos has been the owner of Dumm’s Corner Market for ~25
> years.   Dumm's Corner Market has been serving the Riverdale Park
> community for ~100 years and is considered by all to be a historic landmark
> in the Town.  Mr. Spiropoulos decided to relocate Dumm's Corner Market to a
> larger building ~67 feet from its current location.  Mr. Spiropoulos
> applied to have Dumm’s Corner Market liquor license transferred to the new
> location, which will be called the “Town Center Market”.  The transfer
> was approved by the Prince Georges county liquor board in late July/early
> August.  The Town of Riverdale Park and Riverdale Park’s MUTC also approved
> the relocation plans and issued the appropriate permits.  Mr.
> Spiropoulos started the improvements on the new building assuming all was
> well.  Unbeknownst to him, Parks and Planning discovered that MUTC
> guidelines require that a “special permit” be issued for the liquor license
> transfer.   Since late July, Mr. Spiropoulos has attempted to obtain the
> “special permit” and get it approved by Parks and Planning.  Due to the
> difficulties he encountered, he was forced to hire an attorney.  These
> difficulties include sending 38 letters to the residents adjacent to the
> Town Center Market location and surrounding municipalities soliciting
> comments; allowing 30 days for comments to be received; posting signs
> around the Town Center Market location again soliciting comments; waiting
> an additional 30 days for more comments; and finally appearing before Parks
> and Planning to hopefully obtain approval for the “special permit”.  Keep
> in mind that all of this has occurred after the Riverdale Park MUTC
> approved the relocation of the business and the related liquor license.  As
> a result, Mr. Spiropoulos has had to bear the financial burden of attorney
> fees, legal fees, and costly delays.  And this is just for permission to do
> what Dumm’s Corner Market has been doing for ~100 years, just 67 feet away
> from where they were doing it.****
>
>  ****
>
> I find this is totally unacceptable.  This action on the part of Parks and
> Planning is mindless adherence to law with a total disregard for the spirit
> of the law.  Apparently, the Prince Georges county liquor board approval
> had no bearing the decision of Parks and Planning for the need for the
> “special permit" nor did the approval of the Riverdale Park Town Council
> and Riverdale Park MUTC.  Is this what Prince Georges county and Parks and
> Planning calls “support for small business”?  ****
>
> ** **
>
> Don’t you think it’s about time our county government supported the small
> businesses in our communities, especially given the current economic
> climate?  It’s time for a change and I am hopeful that you will initiate
> that change and remind the folks in Parks and Planning that they work for
> us.  We don’t work for them.  I urge you to contact Parks and Planning
> and facilitate the approval of the “special permit”.****
>
> Thank you in advance for your help with this matter.
>
> ** **
>
> Sincerely yours,****
>
> Bruce Wernek****
>
> Resident Riverdale Park****
>
> ** **
>
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>

-- 
Dannielle Glaros
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