Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association

On March 26, 2009, MZ Grocery’s appeal of TABC’s decision not to renew their alcohol sales permits was held in the 44th District Court before Judge Carlos Cortez. Following a 90-minute hearing, Judge Cortez affirmed TABC’s decision denying renewal of the permits. This confirms the administrative law judge’s previous ruling and represents a huge victory for the neighborhood.

TABC’s order takes effect immediately, though the agency may give MZ Grocery a little time to dispose of its inventory. Nonetheless, alcohol sales should cease within a few days.

Many thanks to the sizeable group of neighbors who showed up (many for the fourth time) at the hearing to voice their support in the form of their attendance. Once again, the showing of community support on this issue was invaluable. Also, much appreciation is due to Nick Canaday from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, who was tasked with arguing for the affirmation of TABC’s order with only 6 days to learn all the facts and prepare the legal arguments.

A huge recognition also to the core group who spent many hours working on this over the past several years:

• Adam McGough, Community ProsecutorCody McCullar, Community Prosecutor
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• Walker Duke, PAHA Resident
• Elizabeth Nelson, PAHA Resdient

Posted by at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alright everyone, it's time to rally the troops for MZ Grocery one more time. They have filed their appeal and the matter is set for hearing next Thursday, March 26th at 9:30 a.m. It is being heard in the 44th District Court (Judge Carlos Cortez), which is located downtown in the George Allen Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street (this is different from where the trial was). This is very short notice, but that is the timeframe that the procedural rules dictate.

We need as many people there as possible. No one will have to speak and, in fact, the Protestants sole mouthpiece will be the Attorney General's Office (who represents TABC, the technical "Defendant"). However, just as with the original trial, neighborhood participation through attendence will be very important.

Date: Thursday, March 26
Time: arrive in court by 9:15
Location: George Allen Courts Building, 600 Commerce Street
Parking: there are various parking lots around the courthouse, but there is underground parking connected to the courthouse (entrance on Commerce St. by the Old Red Courthouse) that is very convenient. Approximately $8-$9.
Duration: The hearing could last anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours, but it should not be an all-day event like the trial.

This is the final step, if we are successful, at having alcohol sales discontinued at MZ Grocery. A final ruling is due by March 30th, so the end is potentially in sight. We need everyone's help to try and finish this out!

Posted by at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Crepe Myrtle/parkway planting initiative got unanimous approval at the February 12, 2009 task force meeting.
All should go well with the approval process from The Landmark Commission, so look for the planting of nearly 30 trees to take place in March along Junius, Worth and Sycamore streets.  
There will be an assortment of red, pink, purple and white varieties planted.  If your parkway has been selected to receive free trees, please do your part by keeping them watered this summer.  
Thank you to those neighbors who agreed to be a part of this project.  Also thanks to Elizabeth Nelson, who volunteered her time with the planting initiative.

Posted by at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As of press time, there is no new news regarding the MZ Grocery protest.  The judge has not yet issued a ruling.  It is not uncommon for judges to take several weeks to make a ruling, and there was a larger than usual amount of evidence and testimony for him to consider in this case.  The ruling will be posted on the PAHA website when it is received, so check back regularly.

Posted by at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On August 22, 2008, the State Office of Administrative Hearings held the long awaited hearing on the protest of MZ Grocery's alcohol sales licenses.  The neighborhood put on its evidence of why the permits should be denied, and the Dallas City Attorney's Office presented its best case as well.  The judge took the arguments and evidence of all parties under advisement and should issue his ruling within the next month.

Many thanks to the large group of neighbors that showed up that morning to lend their support in the form of their appearance.  Also, many thanks to all the neighbors that showed up for the previous two settings.  The neighborhood owes a large debt of graditude to Elizabeth Nelson for initiating this protest and seeing it through for 2 1/2 years, to Adam McGough of the Dallas City Attorney's Office for continued support of the neighborhood's efforts, and to our City Council Representative Pauline Medrano who made an appearance at the hearing to voice her support of the protest.

Posted by at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The final hearing on the protest of MZ Grocery Store's alcoholic beverage permit has been scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at the State Office of Administrative Hearings, located at 6333 Forest Park Road, Suite 150-A, Dallas, Texas 75235. After several postponements, our protest will finally be presented to the Administrative Law Judge for a final ruling.
We have had a great neighbor showing at the previous two settings. This sent a clear message to the administrative law judge that the neighborhood has united in this cause. PAHA is calling on your support one more time. We need as many neighborhood residents as possible (PAHA members or otherwise) to be in attendance at the August 22nd hearing to demonstrate to the Court just how unified the community is on this issue. If you have first hand knowledge of shady activities at or around MZ Grocery, or have documentary evidence of this (e.g. pictures, video, etc.), please contact Walker Duke at 214.891.8034, as you may have an opportunity to share your experiences with the Court. Even if you do not wish to testify at the hearing, everyone's support in the form of their attendance will be vital. If you cannot make it to the hearing but would still like to contribute to the cause, we would welcome letters to the Court. Please call Walker if you are interested in providing this form of support.
Let's pack this hearing office on August 22nd!

Posted by at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Baylor has several developments planned, including a new Administration building
located off Worth and Haskell, behind the El Mundo Tire store. The land has
been cleared and is being prepared for development of the first building within
the new Baylor PD district. The building will be a four story office building,
constructed of red brick with black awnings on the first floor. Businesses that
will office there or lease space there include: Baylor Police, Credit Union,
MEDCO construction, Baylor's Legal department, CB Richard Ellis. The building
is 85,000 square feet and will have highly landscaped surface parking behind the
building.

Continue reading "Baylor Campus Developments" »

Posted by at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our own Zach Madsen occupies a house at the corner of Worth and Prairie that has been home for many people over the years.
The house was built in 1915. It must have begun life as an upper-middle-class home because in 1918 a man named Sam B. Ward, of that address, is reported as entering the armed forces for World War I. Mr. Ward was listed in the newspaper in the section for Negro enlistments. The neighborhood was not at the time open for residence by African-Americans as renters. It is likely he or his parents were servants at the house, living in quarters in the back. In 1919 the house was sold for $5,800, at the high end of home values.

Continue reading "The Adventures of Zach’s House by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On October 9, 2007, concerned neighbors met for the second time at the State Office for Administrative Appeals to protest the renewal of the liquor license for the MZ Grocery Store, located at Carroll and Worth. Unfortunately, neighbors were not able to voice their concerns as the hearing was postponed for a second time due to TABC’s failure to file documents in a timely manner. No new hearing date has yet been set, but neighbors will be informed via the PAHA website as well as the newsletter of when the next hearing will be. Thank you to all those who made the effort to attend.

Posted by at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)