A hearing officer Monday granted initial approval to a dance cabaret license at the Best Western Central Denver, despite complaints from area residents.
Hearing Officer Kip David Barrash, in a 12-page ruling, recommended approval of the application of businessman Art Cormier for the Best Western, 200 W. 48th Ave.
Cormier’s plans have raised concerns among area neighborhood leaders and businesses who fear a repeat of Cormier’s Regency Hotel and Los Caporales disco, which were shuttered in April 2004 amid complaints of fire-code violations, drug use and violence.
Paulette Hirsch, who had organized opposition to Cormier’s application, said she was surprised by the ruling. During a public hearing last month, 35 area residents came to express opposition. Five people showed up to support Cormier’s plans.
“The neighborhood can do its best down at a hearing,” said Hirsch, president of the Globeville United Neighbors Homeowners Association. “They can bring people down and say what they feel and do everything possible that they can. But it doesn’t matter. The city will just have to live with the effects of its decision.”
Stephanie O’Malley, director of the city’s Department of Excise and Licenses, will issue a final ruling after allowing 10 days for people to file objections to the hearing offi cer’s findings and another 10 days for responses to those objections.
Barrash stated in his ruling that Cormier didn’t plan to “change the historical operation of the licensed premises, but rather is seeking a dance cabaret license in order to have the license which will more accurately match the past use of the licensed premises.”
Cormier was out of town and could not be reached for comment. Peter Hawkins, general manager at the Best Western, said the hotel wants the dance cabaret license so it can host hotel weddings and banquets.
The Regency, off Interstate 25 and West 38th Avenue, closed in April 2004 after repeatedly violating fire regulations. District Judge Joseph Meyer ordered that the Regency be vacated after the city complained that Cormier had failed to fix deficiencies. The hotel’s liquor license covered 46,807 square feet of service, allowing it to handle up to 7,703 patrons. Police found the crowds difficult to manage.
Staff writer Christopher N. Osher can be reached at 303-820-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com.
