It’s for Development

January 6, 2013 · 1 Comment ·

Guest post from Carl Swope.  Carl is an Elizabethtown native and long time business owner in Hardin County.

I love Elizabethtown. I grew up here and have spent most of my adult life working and raising a family here. It’s been good to me.

If you grew up here and you are over the age of 50, you remember a time when our downtown was alive. The People’s Store, Shower’s and Hays Drug, Newberry’s, Western Auto, all of them vibrant hubs of activity and commerce with a unique local flair. Those days are gone and will never return, but I believe downtown Elizabethtown can be redeveloped. Not in the same way as before but even better, with local entrepreneurial investment and a genuine Elizabethtown character that chain stores and franchise restaurants will never match.

There is one major obstacle that prevents this vision of a revitalized Elizabethtown more than any other. Like me, you might have been surprised to learn that the option election we held last year did not eliminate the requirement for restaurants to seat 100 or more people and produce at least 70 percent of its revenue in food to serve alcohol. These restrictions all but eliminate the many vacant downtown store fronts from being transformed into bistros and cafes serving fine food, wine and drink. They are simply too small and the 70/30 limit is too restrictive.

Once again, the residents of Elizabethtown have the opportunity to correct this by voting Tuesday in a special election. For me, this is a matter of economic development for our downtown district and the region. It will put us on a level playing field with other nearby communities that have vibrant downtown districts, such as Bardstown. If passed, I believe it will open the door to local entrepreneurs once again investing in downtown Elizabethtown.

Imagine our historic district alive in the evenings with restaurants, retail shops and cafes filled with local citizens and visitors the Historic State Theater and the new Elizabethtown Sports Park are drawing. It can happen.

I hope you will join me and vote yes Tuesday to revitalize our historic downtown

Mr. Swope’s blog post also appeared as a Letter to the Editor in the January 6th edition of The News Enterprise.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

Vote Yes January 8th…Here’s Why

January 6, 2013 · Leave a Comment ·

Guest post from Brad Richardson.  Brad has worked for many years in economic development.  This submission has neither been authorized nor endorsed by the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce or One Knox.

A yes vote Jan. 8 will make Elizabethtown “fully wet” under Kentucky Revised Statute 242.050, KRS 242.125 (2) and KRS 242.127.

A yes vote will allow a limited number of retail liquor drink licenses to be issued in the city limits of Elizabethtown. This type of license allows smaller restaurants to sell wine and distilled spirits for consumption on premises.

A yes vote will eliminate the 100 seat minimum and 70/30 food-to-alcohol requirement for businesses issued one of these new licenses.

A yes vote will eliminate many significant barriers hindering investment decisions that can positively impact downtown Elizabethtown and our region.

Why is this important?

When the BRAC transformation of Fort Knox brought thousands of government workers to our region, I talked to several who had decided to live in Louisville. Why? Because Louisville offered the kinds of shopping and dining amenities Elizabethtown did not.

Some workers relocated to Bardstown, adding a half hour to their morning commutes. Why? Because that community offered a variety of options they could not find here.

As an economic development professional and Hardin County resident, I found this disheartening and disappointing, and vowed to do all I could to help eliminate arbitrary, antiquated laws that hinder development in our region.

A yes vote will help keep Hardin County dollars in Hardin County and attract new investment, which is a primary objective of all successful economic development initiatives.

It is a simple economic principle of circulating more, new dollars in an economy to help it sustain and grow itself.

A strong local economy means more opportunity for everyone; new employment opportunities, needed tax dollars for government services, schools, and numerous other quality-of-life elements. Buying local works.

Please vote yes Jan. 8.

Mr. Richardson’s blog post also appeared as a Letter to the Editor in the January 6th edition of The News Enterprise.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

What does a YES! vote for Retail Liquor Licensing Mean

January 3, 2013 · 1 Comment ·

 

A “YES!” vote on January 8th will make Elizabethtown  “fully wet” under KRS 242.050, KRS 242.125 (2) and KRS 242.127.

  • a “YES!” vote will allow a limited number of Retail Liquor Drink Licenses to be issued in the city limits of Elizabethtown.  This type of license allows smaller restaurants and other businesses to sell wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises.
  • a “YES!” vote will eliminate the 100 seat minimum and 70/30 food to alcohol requirement for businesses issued one of these new license.
  • a “YES!” vote will mean Elizabethtown can issue all the same types of licenses as Radcliff.

Y.E.S. encourages everyone to vote Tuesday, January 8th.  It IS an economic issue, keep our money here.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

Second alcohol vote confirmed for Elizabethtown

October 25, 2012 · Leave a Comment ·

Excerpts taken from article published by The News-Enterprise‘s Marty Finley –  Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Elizabethtown residents will weigh in on the possibility of full wet status early next year.

Hardin County Clerk Kenny Tabb verified a petition Tuesday by Yes for Economic Success that would allow voters in Elizabethtown precincts to cast a vote on the accessibility of retail liquor licenses, which would authorize liquor by the drink without sales limitations or seating requirements and make room for bars if voters say yes.

Y.E.S., a group of local residents and economic development organizations, has argued Elizabethtown is at an economic disadvantage compared to cities such as Bardstown, which does not face alcohol limitations. Downtown in particular is hindered because most buildings do not have adequate space to seat 100 patrons, according to the group.

Tabb said Y.E.S. needed 1,375 signatures from registered voters but captured around 1,421.

“We’re pleased that the question will be on the ballot in January,” said Kenny Rambo, a spokesman for Y.E.S. “We believe the folks in the city deserve to weigh in on this second question.”

Rambo said the organization hopes for results similar to last year when Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Vine Grove voted overwhelmingly to expand alcohol sales.

Tabb, meanwhile, said the Elizabethtown special vote likely will be scheduled for Jan. 8 but Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry Berry must set the date.

“It won’t be official until he does the executive order,” Tabb said.

Filed Under: News

Y.E.S. and HCREO Teaming on Direct Mail Campaign

June 8, 2012 · Leave a Comment ·

Additional Elizabethtown Signatures Sought to bring Expanded Alcohol Sales to Ballot

Elizabethtown, KY – The two groups working to give area voters the chance to vote on the sale and licensing of alcohol are launching a direct mail campaign in Elizabethtown in order to gather petition signatures from registered voters on two separate petitions.

The petition effort led by Y.E.S. (Yes for Economic Success) would give Elizabethtown residents the chance to vote on Retail Liquor licensing, currently not permitted under the City’s 4th Class status. The HCREO (Hardin County Residents for Equal Opportunity) effort would give Hardin County voters the opportunity to decide on expanded alcohol sales outside the city limits of Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Vine Grove, where they were approved in 3 separate votes on October 4, 2011. Because registered Elizabethtown voters could vote on either or both initiatives, they are being asked to sign both petitions.

Kentucky state law allows local residents to make the decision regarding expanded sales themselves. The question can be placed on a special options ballot by petition.

Y.E.S. and HCREO see expanded alcohol sales as a matter of economic development.

Both groups launched their respective petition drives this spring and have 180 days to collect the necessary signatures.

“Based on voter turnout from the last general election, 1,375 signatures will be required for the Elizabethtown licensing question and 4,688 will be required for the county-wide expanded sales question.” said Kenny Tabb, Hardin County Clerk. “And each of these must be verified before the count is official.”

All who care about this measure being on the ballot should take the time to fill out and return BOTH petitions. Registered voters in Elizabethtown will be receiving the petition in the mail, with self-addressed/return postage paid envelopes to send them back. Both petition forms will have enough room for two separate voters to include their signature and required information.

Y.E.S. and HCREO want to remind those interested in supporting this effort that all of the required fields (first name, last name, date-of-birth, and street address) must be filled for the petition signature to be counted.

Those who need more petitions can find and download them at the Y.E.S. website www.2011yes.com or at the HCREO web site, www.hardincountyREO.com. YES also has a Facebook page.

Y.E.S. is a collaborative group of economic development organizations and concerned citizens who see this as an important issue to give our communities additional opportunities to benefit from substantial economic development initiatives.

HRCEO is a group of concerned citizens who believe all areas of the county should have the opportunity to benefit from the economic development opportunities associated with expanded alcohol sales.

Filed Under: News

Y.E.S. Turns Attention to Retail Liquor Drink Licensing for Elizabethtown

April 16, 2012 · 2 Comments ·

Focusing Efforts on a Second Vote in Elizabethtown

Yes for Economic Success (Y.E.S.) announced today an effort to bring another vote on expanded alcohol sales to ballot in Elizabethtown.  This vote would permit the issuing of retail liquor drink license within the city limits.  These licenses, subject to a quota, may be for a bar where no, or limited, food is sold or in a restaurant without regard to food sales or available seating.  This type of license is already available in Radcliff, due to their status as a second class city.  As a fourth class city, Elizabethtown residents will need to vote on this issue separately.

Y.E.S. maintains that residents should have the right to vote on this issue, an issue that would further benefit the local economy and improve the quality of place for our residents.

Y.E.S. is a collaborative group of organizations and concerned citizens who see this as an important issue to give our communities additional opportunities to benefit from substantial economic development initiatives.

Y.E.S. continues to maintain their web site (www.2011yes.com ) and Facebook page to help keep the public informed about the effort.

As with the October 4th vote held in 2011, Kentucky state law allows local residents to make the decision regarding expanded sales themselves. The question can be placed on a special options ballot by petition.

“Based on voter turnout from the last general election, 1,375 signatures will be required to get the option on the ballot,” said Kenny Tabb, Hardin County Clerk.

Those interested in signing the petition are urged to download a signature card from www.2011yes.com and mail it to the designated P.O. Box.

State law allows up to 180 days to collect the necessary signatures.

Y.E.S. hopes to collect signatures in time to schedule a special election this fall.

There are restaurants whose business model precludes their locating in communities with minimum seating requirements and 70/30% food to alcohol sales limitations.  YES wants to give them a reason to open right here, and it makes sound economic sense to have them do it.

“This could help contribute to the revitalization of our downtown,” said Heath Seymour, Executive Director Elizabethtown Heritage Council. “There are several great historic venues, but few of them can meet the current 100 seat minimum.”

For more information about Y.E.S., people are encouraged to visit www.2011yes.com and follow the organization on Facebook, www.facebook.com/2011yes.


Filed Under: News

Ordinance Could Overcome Some Limits Based on Classification

December 30, 2011 · Leave a Comment ·

As early as next week, the Elizabethtown city council will be deciding whether or not to pursue an ordinance that would, if approved, give businesses located in the city additional flexibility for the sale of alcohol by the drink.

Specifically, the ordinance would relax the current requirement that restaurants maintain a 70/30 ratio of food sales to alcohol sales.  This would allow for additional economic development in attracting companies whose business model make it difficult to meet this 70/30 requirement.

In following the debate, it seems the  city council is closely divided on this issue, and that it is possible the final decision will have to be made by the Mayor.  In any case, it is important that the council and the mayor hear from their constituents on this issue.

All Elizabethtown Y.E.S. supporters are encouraged to contact the Mayor and each council member to let them know how you feel as soon as possible.

Contact information for Elizabethtown Elected Officials:

Mayor Tim Walker  - tim.walker@elizabethtownky.gov – 270-765-6121

Councilman Larry Ashlock – larry.ashlock@elizabethtownky.gov - 270-765-6121

Councilwoman Edna Berger – edna.berger@elizabethtownky.gov - 270-765-6121

Councilman Marty Fulkerson – marty.fulkerson@elizabethtownky.gov – 270-765-6121

Councilman Kenny Lewis – kenny@goldstarrealtyky.com – 270-765-6121

Councilman Ron Thomas – ron.thomas@elizabethtownky.gov – 270-765-6121

Councilman Tony Bishop – tonybecky@bbtel.com – 270-765-6121

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

What does a YES! vote for Expanded Alcohol Sales Mean

October 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment ·

A “YES!” vote on October 4th will make Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Vine Grove “wet” under KRS 242.050 and KRS 242.125 (2).  However, additional rules/regulations determine which licenses the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has the authority to issue based on a city’s classification.  Click here for a chart detailing the various types of alcohol sales license.

  • Yes for Economic Successa “YES!” vote in Radcliff will introduce package sales and remove the current limitations on sales by the drink of beer, wine and distilled spirits.
  • a “YES!” vote in Elizabethtown will introduce package sales and relax the current limitations on sales by the drink of beer.  At the same time, it will offer the opportunity to relax the current limitations on sales by the drink of wine and distilled spirits through local ordinance or the opportunity to remove the current limitations on sales by the drink of wine and distilled spirits through a second petition effort and special options election.
  • a “YES!” vote in Vine Grove will introduce package sales and sales by the drink of beer.  At the same time, it will offer the opportunity to introduce sales by the drink of wine and distilled spirits through local ordinance or a second petition effort and special options election.

Y.E.S. encourages everyone to vote Tuesday, October 4th.  It IS an economic issue, keep our money here.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

Every Vote Will Count

September 30, 2011 · Leave a Comment ·

October 4th.  You know the date by now!  But what if vacation, business travel, or scheduling makes it impossible for you to vote on that day?

Absentee voting is still open.

For everyone who is unable to vote next Tuesday, there are only three more days for you to place your YES vote on the question of expanded alcohol sales in your city.  Stop in and cast your vote at the County Clerk’s Office.  The office will be open Saturday, October 1.

For more information, call 270-765-6762 or visit www.hccoky.org.

As you’ve probably seen and heard around town, opposition to the economic expansion at stake in this vote has intensified.  The vote is sure to be tight and everyone reading this right now is needed!  Encourage friends and fellow citizens to vote on October 4th or to cast their absentee vote now.

Thank you for all your support so far.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective

Economics 101

September 30, 2011 · Leave a Comment ·

Guest post from Leigh Richardson.  Leigh has worked for many years in the culinary arts and is a former restaurant owner.

Have you ever been in a Hardin County convenience store when an out-of-town patron comes in and asks where the beer is? Have you seen that look of incredulousness, disappointment and frustration on that non-local’s face, when all they wanted after a hard day of driving was to get their favorite cold beer, go back to their hotel room and relax?

And are entrepreneurs or expanding businesses more likely to choose Hardin County because it’s wet or because it’s dry? How about groups looking for a place to have a convention — or tourists looking for a place to spend the night? Or folks getting ready to retire or to take a job here? You can be certain that many of them are taking this into account.
And will our social ills multiply by being a wet county? Not according to statistics. And communities such as Brandenburg, Bardstown, Danville and many others aren’t suffering negative consequences as a result of being “wet.” It’s nonsense to think otherwise.

But one thing’s for certain: Radcliff, Vine Grove and Elizabethtown would get an influx of much needed revenue that’s now going to surrounding counties. How much? I don’t know exactly, but consider this — we make a special trip to Louisville every month or so to buy adult beverages, spending significant amounts of money. Since we’re going all that way anyhow we sometimes combine these trips with a stop at the mall, dinner and maybe even a movie. There are more than 100,000 folks in our county now. If just 10 percent of us go to the next county and buy $100 worth of liquor a year, that’s $1 million. And that is a very conservative number. Now add all the other things we purchase while we’re shopping out-of-town, and I think there’s some money there.

Did you ever wonder why downtown Bardstown is booming on a Saturday night, while there are almost no cars or pedestrians in Elizabethtown’s square? Don’t think about it too hard.

This really is an economic issue. There are huge amounts of money being spent elsewhere that should be staying right here where we live.

Vote yes on Oct. 4.

Mrs. Richardson’s blog post also appeared as a Letter to the Editor in the September 30th edition of The News Enterprise.

Filed Under: The YES Perspsective
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