Brookhaven Faces Federal Discrimination Lawsuit (Buford: high crime, attorney, restaurant)

[jero23]

This is selective enforcement of regulations that lines up with many suburban jurisdictions around the region. I can name several jurisdictions that does this and it's so obvious... Brookhaven stands a strong chance of losing this suit.

[ATLTJL]

It had clubs with street frontage that resulted in pedestrian activity; naturally, cruising ensued.

Actually, if you recall, the cruising was a massive problem on Peachtree.

Almost all of the bars and clubs kept their front doors on Peachtree locked and used them only as emergency exits. The pedestrian activity was a block over, along the back doors that were used to enter and exit the venues. Those streets were closed entirely to vehicular traffic when the bars and clubs were open (I think maybe the police let cars like taxis and limousines past the barricades, if I recall).

But I don't see how Brookhaven would have a problem proving these clubs are leading to more crime. That's a relatively quiet part of Buford Highway after 9pm, so increased activity from businesses that are open that late are naturally going to lead to more crime. I imagine when the clubs weren't there, there wasn't too much happening there late at night. What's even open, aside from the Taco Bell, QT, and Fun Bowl?

I'm sure the real bottom line is Brookhaven doesn't want black clubs. And they'll get rid of them for sure.

Just watch, they'll leave Lips alone. That's not because the city is pro-gay and anti-black. It's because a bunch of gay people and women on bachelorette parties going to watch a drag show don't cause any problems.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I'm sure the real bottom line is Brookhaven doesn't want black clubs. And they'll get rid of them for sure.

As succinct and true statement as has been written here. It's up to Brookhaven to prove otherwise now.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by whodean

The establishments that cause a disproportionate amount of crime SHOULD have to pay more than law abiders. Anyone can sue for any valid or invalid reason so taking a club owners lawsuit as fact is folly.

Really. Especially considering how much money successful alcohol joints can make.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by Iconographer

"All venues in the lawsuit are located at Northeast Plaza on Buford Highway"

This is a different situation than the Buckhead Village party district. It had clubs with street frontage that resulted in pedestrian activity; naturally, cruising ensued. Northeast Plaza is a large strip mall with outbuildings wrapped around a large parking area. If there's criminal activity associated with the clubs it's going to take place either inside or in the parking area adjacent; I can see them being taken to task for that. But what exactly do they mean by this:

"The city states it was forced to create a new category of “entertainment venue” and raise its alcohol license fees because of recorded instances of rising crime rates along Buford Highway caused by certain late-night venues and denies any racial profiling."

Are we to infer that BPD is drawing a direct line between rising crime rates on the Buford Corridor and these three clubs? Based on what? This is the gray area for me.

Avondale Estates was going to have to hire a new police officer and maybe two if they annexed the Walmart. Certain types of businesses generate a lot of crime. Walmart drew a whole lot of shoplifters.

Perhaps these clubs were generating a lot of police calls involving violence or drugs.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by Iconographer

As succinct and true statement as has been written here. It's up to Brookhaven to prove otherwise now.

Uh, that's not how lawsuits work. The plaintiffs have to prove their case.

[bu2]

Now, I'm not saying the lawsuit isn't justified, but there's nothing here that says that it is. Club owners trying to keep their money machine alive making a claim proves nothing.

Brookhaven focused on forcing out the strip clubs first. They can simply be trying to discourage business that generate trouble.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Iconographer

Are we to infer that BPD is drawing a direct line between rising crime rates on the Buford Corridor and these three clubs? Based on what? This is the gray area for me.

Well, they may have evidence about the high crime rate at these clubs but that doesn't mean they aren't targeting black club owners. How many white owned clubs have been singled out under Brookhaven's alcohol regulations?

[whodean]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Well, there may have evidence about the high crime rate at these clubs but that doesn't mean they aren't targeting black club owners. How many white owned clubs have been singled out under Brookhaven's alcohol regulations?

Do you really believe that there are white-owned clubs in that area that #1 cause as much as crime and #2 are being "let off the hook" of the increased fees because they are white owned?

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by whodean

Do you really believe that there are white-owned clubs in that area that #1 cause as much as crime and #2 are being "let off the hook" of the increased fees because they are white owned?

#1 Can't say.
#2 Quite likely if we can afford to be a little honest here.