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Citing Violence, Fenty Shuts Down Masonic Lodge Parties
posted 09/17/09
5:59 pm
Fenty announced the closure of Most Worshipful King Solomon Grand Lodge at a news conference Thursday. He was joined by Attorney General Peter Nickles, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier (web | news | bio) and DCRA director Linda Argo.
The Lodge has long rented the hall out on weekends as a live music venue. Neighborhood residents had complained about these events, specifically Go-Go concerts, that allegedly led to "repeated instances of disorderly and violent conduct", according to the mayor's office.
Chief Lanier said the department had received 114 requests for police service within 1,000 feet of Solomon Lodge in the first 7 and a half months of the year, including complaints about noise, public urination and illegal parking.
The Masons and their sister organization, the Eastern Stars, said the city's move shocked them.
"I think they ought to leave us alone and let us be," Sister Bernice Watkins said. Lodge member Frederick McCray says he feels "totally dis-respected and violated" by the mayor's decision.
The senior citizens who leased their hall to Go Go bands say they never had any problems with the kids who came to party.
"We don't rent out to nobody that's a thugs or anything like that," said Luther Parker.
Party-goer Kevin McGill says he will miss his Saturday night visits. He thinks the neighbors will regret getting the Lodge's license to party revoked.
"You got a hundred fifty kids in here, you got a hundred fifty kids off the streets, not robbing, stealing cars, shooting, fighting none of that," McGill said.
Fenty said D.C. police met with lodge owners last month to discuss security upgrades, but none was implemented. Chief Lanier said police have had to deploy extra officers on weekends to the area.
The lodge used to get a permit on a monthly basis. It still could apply for a permanent license to lease out the hall, but to do so it would have to prove it has stiff security staff in place.
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