Battle Brewing Over Late Night Permits

While every major neighborhood association in east Dallas supports a new proposal to target trouble spots on Lower Greenville, some business owners say what city leaders are trying to do is against the law.

"We’re trying something new and we believe it's going to work," said Dallas City councilmember Angela Hunt.

Under the proposal, co-authored by Hunt, businesses on lower Greenville will have to apply for a special use permit in order to stay open past midnight.

"The neighborhoods are fed up, they are tired of the crime, the noise and the traffic that problem bars bring to the neighborhood late at night," said Hunt.

Ricardo Avila opened Mextopia 7 months ago on Lower Greenville. "We made a conscious decision to open up in this neighborhood because it’s such a great, well-established neighborhood," said Avila.

If the proposal passes, Avila will have to pay approximately $1,100 for a permit to stay open late, that's assuming his request is approved. The council can deny permits for a number of different reasons.

"We knew there were some issues when we got here, there is no perfect solution," said Avila. "We feel like this is the best answer to help the business prosper."

The Dallas Plan Commission will hear the proposal and public comment Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Dallas City Hall. 

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