BROWN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RESIDENTS FIRST WITH OPPOSITION TO NUDE BARS

WASHINGTON – During the D.C. Council’s eighth legislative meeting, At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown voted in opposition of the bill,  “One-Time Relocation of Licensees Displaced by the Ballpark Amendment Act of 2007. ” The measure passed by a 9 to 4 vote including amendments that establishes a 1,200-foot buffer between clubs and a 600-foot buffer between the clubs and churches, schools, libraries and playgrounds. Below, Councilmember Brown expresses his concerns with the legislation reflective of the comments received by Ward 5 residents:

During the past six weeks, I have spent numerous hours discussing the views of all groups on what has become a contentious debate.  My decision to place the views of the residents above any other deciding factor in no part implies opposition to the venues’ patrons.  Nor does my position imply that I do not support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) establishments.  My position simply demonstrates my continuous commitment to represent the neighborhoods first.

With every bill presented before the Council, I must first weigh the concerns of the residents who will be affected by the proposed measure.  Whether it is a new high-rise condominium, restaurant or social club, the question remains, how the new facility affect the community it is intended to serve?  The residents of Ward 5 spoke loudly.  They do not wish to welcome an adult entertainment venue to their communities. With the amended legislation now passed, I hope that both the civic leaders and business owners will establish an agreement with the community that will ensure that both patrons and neighbors will be respected.

##