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Keep city center dry to honor its history
By Janis Lowe
Contributor
Published October 29, 2009
The true issue in Friendswood is that our city leaders want more tax dollars. They see alcohol sales as a way to achieve a better bottom line. And they are calling it economic development. What price will we pay for that?
In 1963, by a vote of its people, the city government made a covenant with the citizens banning the sale of alcohol in the original two-square mile township.
This “dry” area is located “downtown” because the first churches and homes were built there. It’s where our heritage began in 1895. Future annexations allowed new areas of town to be “wet.”
Our city was not master-planned. We were an agrarian community. The small lots created for small downtown houses are now obsolete.
The city council has recently been made to recognize that the mainstream development manual that encourages growth in the city does not work for the small lots in downtown. And the council members have recently lifted that ban of erroneous criteria and created a new development plan. Now downtown can begin to grow again.
To lift the ban of alcohol in the original township doesn’t guarantee economic development. But it does guarantee we will lose our heritage. Our Quakers were known for their commitment to church, family and community. They didn’t consume alcohol.
In 1963, they made sure to preserve that heritage for Friendswood. They knew they were unique and they knew the outside world would one day be inside their city. They voted to preserve a way of life because they were loyal to their heritage. If you can’t honor your history, what can you honor?
To lift the ban of alcohol is not the solution to the city’s economic challenges.
There is a weak possibility a restaurant or bar will move to downtown. We don’t have the density there. To lift the ban would give them the right to build, but it can’t dictate whom. It could be a Chili’s or Hooters. Or who? What price will we pay for that?
Our alcohol ban is not unfair. When an electorate places a restriction upon themselves by a majority vote of the people, it’s unfair for someone to call that law unfair. That law has worked in Friendswood for 46 years.
You can still get a drink in our downtown. It’s called “private club” and it’s legal. And it works to create a higher standard for people who operate those establishments. It works for Friendswood.
I drink. It’s my personal choice. But I will vote against the alcohol issues on the ballot.
Our city’s slogan is “Friendswood is Unique.” Advertising has to stand for something — or its stands for nothing.
Janis Lowe is a resident of Friendswood.
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