Drinking license OK’d despite objection

The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved a new drinking establishment license for Paradise Cafe — even though the previous license had lapsed in October, and despite commissioners’ opposition to letting the business continue as a bar.

The cafe’s manager, Schuyler Lister, earlier this month closed the restaurant portion of the cafe and said he would continue to run the business as a bar. Assistant City Manager Dave Corliss said Lister could do so, because Paradise was serving alcohol prior to a 1994 ordinance prohibiting new bars from locating downtown unless they made 55 percent of their income from food sales.

“I think the last thing downtown needs is another bar,” Commissioner Boog Highberger told Lister. “To be honest, Schuyler, if there was a legal way for me to prevent you from doing what you’re doing, I would.”

6Wak partnership files suit against city

The owner of land where Wal-Mart wants to build on Tuesday announced a new lawsuit against the city — and said more suits may be on the way.

Bill Newsome, a partner in 6Wak Land Investments LLC, made the announcement Tuesday at the Lawrence City Commission meeting. The suit contests the city’s decision to bill 6Wak for the construction of new Congressional Drive north of Sixth Street, despite the city’s blocking of Wal-Mart construction at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive.

Tuesday, Newsome opposed similar billing for construction of Overland Drive north of Sixth Street. The city is assessing more than $1 million for construction of the road.

“We are willing to pay these assessments,” Newsome said to commissioners. “All we’re asking is for the city to uphold its end of the agreements.”

The commission unanimously agreed to the assessment. Commissioners declined further comment on the matter.