Yesterday, DC’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board denied Pax Liquor’s application for a new liquor license to open a liquor store at 4944 South Dakota Avenue NE (next to the McDonald’s). This is a big win for North Michigan Park residents who rallied and worked with ANC 5A Commissioners Ronnie Edwards (Chair) and Gordon Fletcher (Vice Chair) to protest the application.

The Board found approval of the license would not be appropriate because it would “encourage loitering to the detriment of peace and quiet” and that it will “likely have a detrimental effect on property values.” On the first point, the Board noted that loitering was likely given the loitering that takes place at other liquor stores in the ward. The Board also stated the McDonald’s next door would make the area an attractive place to loiter and that the overgrown alley and forest behind the lot would provide a hidden place for individuals to loiter and engage in antisocial behavior. On the second point, the Board pointed to evidence that the parking lot and building facilities of the proposed store have not been well-maintained and that the overgrown alley and forest behind the lot further demonstrate that a liquor store is not appropriate for the site. The Board cited evidence that the property owner has a history of not addressing issues on the property.

Hopefully this decision will spur the property owner to step it up and put more effort into maintaining the property.