A July photo of the currently vacant Club Evo building on 16th Ave S.W. in White Center. Owner Alfredo Lopez submitted business license applications to reopen as Club Reventon in early August, but King County denied his application. The moratorium places a one-year ban on any dance clubs opening in White Center/North Highline.
Update for Oct. 24
The King County Council upheld their one-year ban on new dance clubs opening up in White Center on Oct. 24 after hearing from the public, according to the ordinance sponsor Councilmember Joe McDermott.
While the King County Council already unanimously approved the moratorium on Aug. 29, a public hearing was required by law within 60 days.
The moratorium was largely in response to Club Evolucion owner Alfredo Lopez's plans to reopen his club on 16th Ave S.W. as Club Reventon. Ultimately, the county denied Lopez's application to reopen, but the council went ahead with the moratorium anyways.
Background from an earlier post:
Club Evo was well known to White Center residents and neighboring business owners as a boiler of trouble, from gang-related shootings and fights to underage drinking, littering and loitering. The club was shut down in fall of 2010 for operating without proper licenses.
Update for Aug. 29
The King County Council has unanimously approved (9-0) Councilmember Joe McDermott's ordinance to place a one year moratorium on any new dance clubs opening in White Center, according to McDermott's Communications Director Anne Burkland.
The ordinance goes into effect immediately and will have a direct effect on the owners of the former Club Evo, who recently applied for new business licenses to reopen as Club Reventon.
There will be a public comment meeting on the ordinance within 60 days.
Original story from Aug. 26
While most cities around the state are placing moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries, White Center may have one coming for night clubs.
Club Evo’s rise from the ashes may be significantly stalled if the King County Council passes District 8 Councilmember Joe McDermott’s ordinance to place a one year moratorium on any new music or dance clubs opening in the White Center/North Highline area.
The ordinance (found here) is scheduled for a vote on Monday, Aug 29.
McDermott’s communications director Anne Burkland said the ordinance is “inspired by the constituents' concerns” over Club Evo owner Alfredo Lopez’s plans to reopen the 16th Ave S.W. club as Club Reventon. He submitted business license applications for entertainment and dance permits on Aug. 2, and those requests are still pending.
Club Evo was well known to White Center residents and neighboring business owners as a boiler of trouble, from gang-related shootings and fights to underage drinking, littering and loitering. The club was shut down in fall of 2010 for operating without proper licenses.
On July 7 of this year Alfredo Lopez, along with his business partner Danny Yarbrough presented their plans to the North Highline Unincorporated Council to reopen the club with promises of better security and explanations for past troubles beyond their control.
The ordinance states “The White Center business district is currently being considered for annexation by Burien” and the commercial viability of White Center will have a “fiscal impacts” on Burien if they decide to annex.
McDermott’s ordinance goes on to say that while the current business climate of downtown White Center has shown a moderate level of improvement, “the continuing presence of vacant buildings is indicative of a reluctance to locate within the White Center business district due in large measure to lingering concerns about public safety.”
The ordinance cites community concerns over the past several years related to “the operation of music and dance venues that have engendered an environment that keeps customers away from nearby businesses.”
If the council passes the ordinance there will be a required public hearing within 60 days, and within 30 days of that hearing the ordinance can be put into action. Correction for Aug. 29: The ordinance goes into effect immediately, although there will still be a public hearing within 60 days.
Any dance clubs already operating with valid licenses will not be affected by the ordinance, only new operations attempting to start up.
Danny Yarbrough, Lopez’s partner and operations manager for Club Reventon did not respond for comment, but this story will be updated when new information comes in.
