[RP TownTalk] FW: Critical Issue PLEASE READ

Sun Nov 13 03:00:30 UTC 2011

Good Evening All:

Bruce thanks for bringing all of us up to date on Dumm's Corner and the liquor license issue, my feathers would have really been ruffled if I had not been informed about Pete's situation!!  I immediately went in and signed the petition in support of Pete and his business.  What would I have done without Dumm's Corner many nights when I was in need of a loaf of bread or milk at the last minute!  Having a carry out run by folks that recognized your voice and know your name when you call in a order has always felt special to me.  I made sure that my husband sign the petition and I will pass this information on to my friend's and family that I know frequent Pete's businesses.  We must support what has been a fixture on that corner for how many year's 100??  That is the least we can do in support of a business that has been there for all of us and is an asset to this community.  Remember the wheels of government run very slow sometimes, especially when you have several different agencies involved.

Thanks A Million!

Ms.Novella Sargusingh, Director
4 STEPS Creative Learning Child
Care Services, Inc. and Ward 3 neighbor  

From: bruce.wernek at verizon.net
To: TownTalk at riverdale-park.org
Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:05:03 -0500
Subject: [RP TownTalk] FW: Critical Issue PLEASE READ

AllA little bird told me that I ruffled some feathers as a result of the email below.  It appears some of you have been contacting Eric Olson’s office regarding the transfer of Dumm’s Corner liquor license to the new location.  Eric and Danielle are doing all that they can to see to it that Pete get’s the “special permit” from P&P.  They must adhere to the related guidelines and do not have the power or authority to change these guidelines.Mr. Baker (county executive) is in the process of reviewing and streamlining the permitting process and has had a number of meetings in our area to discuss the related issues.  It would be much more effective if you contact his office directly to air your concerns and I urge you to do so.  Please use the links below to contact him by phone or email.  Eric and Danielle are in our camp and want Pete to get the “special permit” as much as we do.Bruce From: Bruce Wernek [mailto:bruce.wernek at verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 12:57 PM
To: 'TownTalk'
Cc: 'spiro111 at aol.com'
Subject: Critical Issue PLEASE READ Attention All Town Talkers,Many of you may not be aware, but the Town is facing a critical issue and that issue is success of Dumm’s Corner Market.  Most of you are probably aware that Dumm’s will be moving to the old Federal Credit Union building ~67 feet from its current location.  Part of that move involves the transfer of their liquor license (beer and wine) from the current location to the new location, the future “Town Center Market”.   The ability of Dumm’s to sell beer and wine at their new location is critical to the success of their business. Pete Spiropoulos (owner of Dumm’s) applied to have Dumm’s liquor license transferred to the new location and it was approved by the PG county liquor board in late July/early August.  Pete started the improvements on the new building assuming all was well.  Unbeknownst to him, the MUTC guidelines require that a “special permit” be issued for the liquor license transfer.   Since late July, Pete has attempted to obtain the special permit and get it approved by Parks and Planning (P&P).  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 P&P to hopefully obtain approval for the “special permit”.  This is after the Town and our MUTC committee approved the Town Center Market plans and issued the appropriate permits.  Keep in mind that attorney’s, legal fees, and delays cost money, a lot of it.  And this is just for permission to do what Dumm’s has been doing for ~100 years, just 67 feet away from where they were doing it.I don’t know about you, but I find this is totally unacceptable.  This action on the part of P&P is mindless adherence to law with a total disregard for the spirit (purpose) of the law.  Apparently, the PG liquor board approval had no bearing on their decision.  Is this what PG county and P&P calls “support for small businesses”?    Pete and his family have taken an incredible risk investing in our Town to make these very significant improvements to their store.  If they don’t receive this permit, they may go out of business.  And what will we have, more vacant buildings in the Town Center.  I think enough is enough and it’s about time each and every one of us called or emailed the County Executive and let him know that this is totally utterly unacceptable.  I also think it’s about time our Mayor and Town Council take aggressive action with P&P to expedite the process and I’m not talking about writing letters or making public statements.  Caftritz and “Whole Foods” are getting more attention than a historic landmark business (100+ years old) in our Town.  As far as I’m concerned, the Town manager should be visiting P&P several times a week to check on the status of the “special permit”.  We as a community need get off of our lounge chairs and rally around Pete and his family to “put the wood” to P&P and let them know how we feel about their “special permit”.Here’s the link to the office of the PG County Executive.Email:http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/ExecutiveBranch/index.asp?nivel=subfoldmenu(0,0)Phone:http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/ExecutiveBranch/executive_staff.asp?nivel=subfoldmenu(0,2)I’d both call and email.  Please reference P&P “Town Center Market, Permit No: 19412-2011”.  Let him know how you feel about P&Ps and PG County’s “support for small business”.  For God’s sake people, let’s do this!Bruce 
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