Damn, I had a lengthy response all written up that took me hours, pressed the wrong button and it was GONE!!!
Anyway, monkeesuncle, the Community Care Center, being much smaller and catering to mostly adults or children accompanied by adults, and with set hours of operation, in no way compares to the high school. Besides, there was a high-profile bar (albeit with a restaurant)for many years, and alcohol can still be purchased, right across the street from the high school. Your point, there, is moot.
I think it is callous that you and others feel that the city doesn't owe him anything for his lifetime investment in his hometown. He, and any other citizen and/or business owner, deserves more empathy and efforts from their publicly funded employees.
I, too, am surprised that Mark never applied for a liqueur license before now. Most pool halls nationwide probably already have them. So, honestly, someone in economic development should have expected, or even encouraged him to ask for one, for his and the downtown's future growth. Maybe he wasn't yet ready to undertake the huge responsibility of alcohol service.
Even you have to see that his table revenue would substantially increase with alcohol sales. He's not a restaurant, he's a pool hall--and most people don't go out to dinner to play pool. Better to compare him to Soccer for Fun, or a golf course--a recreational venue with alcoholic beverages available, to be more accurate in your assesment.
As for possible lawsuits, there are already always plenty of questions as to who is in whose pockets. It seems to be the way of politics. There are always a few attorneys involved, too, and the municipal insurance is paid up. No one at city hall is really afraid of lawsuits against the city. It's all taxpayer money they get to play with, anyway.
If Mark invested further in his present location to be more compliant, as you suggested, would he be guaranteed a license--or possibly still be denied no matter his efforts because of the Community Care Center? Are there any steps he could take to ensure his success? Or, is anyone involved with downtown restoration incentives willing to help him figure things out positively for his property, business and livelihood?
We'll have to agree to disagree on this one, monkeesuncle. It's very frustrating to watch the lack of compassion and blatant disregard you have for this good man. And you call him a whiner, as he sinks? Cold, monkeesuncle, really cold. You and Laboray must be friends.
Yes, Mark, our property owner out here with the suitable location would rather the building sat empty than to lower his rent to something people can afford to work with. I don't have a solution, it's/he's deliberately been a problem for many years. Sorry.