On September 17, 2005, the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board voted unanimously to deny a liquor license to William Lee. Mr. Lee was attempting to obtain a beer and wine license for Lee’s Bar & Grill to be established at the vacant McShane's Lounge location.

A group of Emerson Heights residents, led by John and Judy Coe and Kurt Wiegand, and representatives of neighborhood groups, area churches, the Mayor’s Office and IPD remonstrated at the licensing hearing. Armed with petitions, signed by residents living within 500 feet of the McShane's location, and letters from various neighborhood organizations including NESCO and Irvington, the Coes and Wiegand laid the groundwork for the defeat.

The decision was not appealed within the 15-day limit. As a result, the McShane's Lounge property is now for sale. If you know of anyone seeking to start a business or move a business to our area, please let them know about this property.

Thank you to the 29 people who attended the hearing. Your presence was a contributing factor to the defeat. This strong showing once again proves that Emerson Heights residents care and that we can make a difference in our community.