Gram vs 1303

There are two parallel code cases going on now. Gram's Place (hostel) and 1303 E. New Orleans (Clifford Hill Boarding Home). Both involve commmercial activities in areas zoned just for residential activity.

Clifford Hill started off legitimately as an ALF, obtaining the necessary esception for a more than 6 person State Licensed ALF. However, after thousands and thousands of dollars in fine, the State did not renew their license and they began illegally operating as a rooming house. They were cited by code repeatedly for various issues. The fire marshal cited them also. There were many calls for police service there. Lots of trouble occurred in a and around the rooming house. They expanded their illegal rooming house activity in two houses next door. They eventually closed those 2 houses down and sold them but started up in a rented house across the street and in another house on the other side of the neighborhood. This facility is the bane of the neighborhood, repelling people from that area.

Gram's Place was an illegal hostel operation from the beginning, at a time when no one apparently cared that it was there. They continued to operate illegally, occasionally getting cited by code for issue until they received apparent improper sanction from Mayor Greco's administration. There have been apparent occassional code violations. There may have been some improper building activity. This facility was highlighted in that neighborhood's home tour and has recieved much positive press over the years, bringing tourists from all around the world and adding to the areas quirkiness. One neighbor has sued, most have signed letters of support.

What to do? Enforce all zoning issues equally or grant dispensation to those who have been good neighbors and make an positive impression?

What happens if the city gives its stamp of approval and some one gets hurt from the purported improper construction (Insert kid with puppy here.) A little white blond-haired blue-eyed 6-year-old girl, whose Mom is in Iraq, dies because the walkway falls on her. Imagine the hue and cry that would ensue? People would shout "How dare the city grant such leeway!"

I'm curious about the lady next door. Is this someone who just has an attitude or someone who was not getting right the response from Gram's Place. She said a fence was placed on her property. If this is true, why was it not moved?

Someone said, well the lady knew the place was there when she moved in. That's the same thing the bad apple police told us. Well, you knew the prostitutes were there when you moved in to Seminole Heights.

It's too bad that before prices went unrealistic that he did not buy the houses next to him and rent them out, creating a buffer zone between him and other neighbors.

I'd like Gram's Place place to stay. It is a cool, interesting place. However, Gram's place needs to get legal. Seek the change in use with the neighbors support and fix things up. Get an extension from the city. City people, work with him and give him an extension.

However 1303 New Orleans needs to be closed. It is not a good neighbor.