Elizabeth Responds Regarding Recent City Council Hearings.
Over the weekend, I was able to record and watch the City Council Hearing. What I saw was a passionate business owner– who is not eloquent in speaking. I felt that the Grahams both were asking for some sort of fairness in the way the city is handling the wet zoning issue. If you recall the countless hours, dollars and meetings that this establishment went through to get opened, I think that frustration may have come out as she watched the new restaurants asking for many things she was denied. After watching both hearings, Ella’s and the Independent, I felt that the objections raised by the Bistro owners were somewhat justified. After many neighbors crucified
Elizabeth after the hearing, I emailed Elizabeth to offer her a chance to explain. Often times, a misunderstood intention can be easier to explain in writing.
Many may recall the issues our city faces with inconsistencies with other city departments. We hear of these issues almost on a daily basis–Code Enforcement, Police, Parks…and the list goes on. How many times have our neighbors said “I would bet that would never happen in South Tampa. ” or “They did that in South Tampa why can’t we”? We are all to familiar with the unfair practices that our zoning and code have already created. After driving by the Bistro, I can’t seem to see why her circumstances would warrant a different verdict than the others. I think the wisest thing to do would be start with consistency from the beginning. Once you start bending the rules, you are opening yourself up for head aches. Here is her response:
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Dear Seminole Heights,
Please let me explain and clarify any misunderstandings.
I was trying to express my frustration and confusion about the unfairness of the business hours dictated by the city counsel. I apologize if I offended anyone. I just wanted to express my fears of losing any kind of ability to compete in a tough economy. Maybe I didn’t put the words together in the best way, but I am not trying to at all to hurt anyone.
I have owned a business on Florida Avenue for 8 years. I lived in the neighborhood for 19 years and still own a home here. Many years of my life were spent volunteering time on the commercial redeveloping committee for the business corridor. As a founding member of the business guild and past president, I welcome new business into Seminole Heights. I am a firm believer that the more choices in this area, the more of a destination we will become.
My concern is not with Ella’s or the Independent so much as the city council and their lack of consistency in policy making. I had to struggle for every square inch of zoning for parking for seating and for hours of operation. It is not like they made a decision years ago about my business. They set the standard a couple of months ago and are now changing it again for the next business to go before them. What next? If you have ever owned a business, you should understand the value of a level playing field. I can control the quality of my product and service, but I can not control restrictions or the lack of restrictions on hours, and incidentals like music. My customers would have enjoyed live music on New Year’s Eve or the ability to sip a glass of wine or champagne after one o’clock. The council does not permit that at Bungalow Bistro.
It is not a simple matter of saying “please, can I have the same opportunity as a neighboring business.” Getting a zoning change is time-consuming, very costly and requires hiring an attorney to navigate the process.
If I came off as emotional about this issue at council, it is because I am. I put blood, sweat and tears into my businesses vision. Consistency is not just important to the business owners who need to stay competitive. It is also important for the quality of life in this wonderful neighborhood of Seminole Heights.
I greatly appreciate your support.
Respectfully,
Elizabeth Graham
