Column for May 13, 2004
As usual the opinions expressed in my column are mine. Not the papers, not the editors or even those of most of the readers. I play guitar in Benny and the Jets band, I am a product of the 70s, I am getting old, my cholesterol is 275 and I don't much care what anyone else thinks. So kids, don't smoke, don't cheat, lie, steal or kill people. Stay out of debt and try not to do or say stupid things!
Governor Granholm keeps saying she wants "Cool Cities" but the cities keep fighting local business. 35th District Court is going to decide if the 6-foot plastic Big Boy icon, with sunglasses is cool, or a violation of city sign ordinances. That is just what I want my tax money and court system spending time and money on.
Hmm, there is a boarded up restaurant on Middle Belt at I-96, the former Chi-Chi's has been empty for months. You probably know the corner. Lots of traffic, Bob Evans across the street, Walmart, Meijers and Costco around the corner. But no takers on Chi-Chi's? I bet Hooter's would be interested in a high traffic corner like that!
Interestingly the economic development and city government type people in Novi just denied Hooter's request for a liquor licenses for a location in the Fountain Walk Mall. Oh ya, Livonia all ready gave Hooter's a hard time on a Plymouth Road location. Lawsuits will follow but will it be the city that pays or once again the taxpayers?
Also in the Wayne Circuit Court is an appeal seeking a reversal of a decision that denied Costco Corporation stores a licenses to sell liquor in Livonia. Costco would like to sell liquor at its two stores one on that Middle Belt corner and one on Haggerty but was denied by the planning commission and City Council.
I can only wonder what this planning commission was planning? A lawsuit? Liquor is legal. Hooter's are legal. It is illegal to stop people and business from operating. Or maybe worse yet, to let some people have a business but not others. This is America. Land of the free, home of the brave. Work hard, pay taxes and support all the brain surgeons in government, who appear to be to close to the woods to see the trees.
Ben E. Jet can be reached at (313) 730-1627 via E-mail at benejets@aol.com or visit bennyandthejets.com.