Activism - The Little River Club in Miami - Progress protected by a SWAT team

JR Harris's picture
Submitted by JR Harris on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 06:03

It's been a while since the issues with an Alano Club called the "Little River Club" (LRC) in Miami first surfaced in May of 2011, which had been bringing down the value of the Shorecrest Home Owners Association. The issue was with the access to the illegal entrance to the back parking lot that was heavily used by the club and it's unruly patrons and the numerous Rehabs that ferried their clients by van to attend the club as part of the $1000 a day therapy they were receiving. The Little River Club couldn't use the front access to the parking lot because of a billboard that had been placed in its way, blocking access. It was first covered in detail here:

http://stinkin-thinkin.com/2011/05/12/sympathy-and-powerlessness/

The Shorecrest Home Owners Association went through the correct channels with the zoning board and the Little River Club eventually sued the city because they were told to stop using it. It was covered here:

http://stinkin-thinkin.com/2011/06/23/little-river-club-update/

UPDATE (It appears that the Club is being forced to comply with the orders by the zoning department)

"Mysterious barriers block club’s parking lot

The Little River Club, a site for meetings of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, says the city of Miami put up barriers to block access to the club’s parking lot as a way to appease neighbors who don’t like the club.

By THEO KARANTSALIS
Special to The Miami Herald

A bike weaved through three multi-ton barriers then steadied as its handlebars scraped through a 2-foot iron gate.

"Do you think a wheel chair can get through there?" asked Bob Hardison, manager of the Little River Club, at 755 NE 79th St. in Miami. "No one knows who authorized this."

Since early November, access to the club’s parking lot has been blocked by the barriers, apparently installed by the city of Miami. Despite its name, the club serves no liquor, but it serves as a meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous and similar groups, and some neighbors say it also attracts trouble.

City Hall officials were unable to explain the barriers on Friday.

"I’m sorry, I can’t comment on that," said Juvenal Santana, the city’s chief civil engineer. Santana referred calls to the city’s public relations office, which in turn referred them back to Santana.

Meanwhile, the city and the club are in the midst of a court battle over the club’s private property rights.

Hardison said that a few days before the last municipal election, a police SWAT team escorted a large construction crane back through the quiet Shorecrest neighborhood then gave anyone parked in any of the club’s 32 parking spots five minutes to leave. Then the earth shook as three 12-foot barriers, weighing about 6,000 pounds each and similar to the ones used to protect federal courthouses, were plopped in front of the main entrance gate.

"Commissioner Marc Sarnoff told us he had an election to win," said Hardison, a club member for more than three decades. "We were here first."

Sarnoff could not be reached for comment.

The club started about 50 years ago. In the last few years, Shorecrest, a residential neighborhood adjoining the club, insulated itself from 79th Street by closing off streets and using barricades.

In 2010, city commissioners passed a measure called “Miami 21” to encourage pedestrian-friendly zoning in a city whose roads have been mainly designed for cars. After its passage, entrance through the club’s gate was deemed illegal. The club sought a variance last April, which was denied.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/13/2588530/mysterious-barriers-block-...

Comments

AntiDenial

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 07:29

It seems it is becoming increasingly common to be hearing of complaints from citizens about AA/NA meetings in their neighborhood. AA's sense of entitlement is unbelievable really. In Holly Hill Florida we have been dealing with both Daytona Volusia County Intergroup AA meetings and the Daytona Beach Area Narcotics Anonymous meetings for years. Because the courts are releasing more prisoners from jails to save money, more are being mandated to AA ans NA meetings than ever before. Daytona NA is growing by leaps and bounds. Citizens of Holly Hill Florida and business owners finally had enough and has been fighting an uphill battle to protect their City Parks and the safety of their citizens.

One of the incidents in Holly Hill Florida Volusia County was recently posted at-

http://nadaytona.org/2012/01/19/daytona-beach-na-member-threatens-the-li...

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

Ironic's picture

Ironic

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 09:38

There was a nasty ass hood rat tech that worked at the rehab I went to. She frequents the Little River Club.

I've even met a couple of her friends at meetings and such..so I know why Shorecrest wants them OUT.

AntiDenial

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 21:27

Here are some stories related to citizens problems with meetings. Feel free to post your own Rude Awaking story at the site about when you realized something was just not right with the 12 step program.

http://nadaytona.org/rude-awakening/

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 11:01

Alano Clubs are anything but the "safe" places advertised in the meetings themselves. That is, unless, you define "safety" as no overt drug or alcohol use during the meetings.
We all know that Triangle and ALano CLubs can be easy places to score a drug hit.
How can any facility claim to be a safe place when it is populated by felons, addicts and the like who aren't serious about recovery and who simply mark time and get a signature?
NA and not so much AA seemed to have been the worse offender at the ALano CLub that I attended.
Did anyone else have a similar experience?

DeConstructor's picture

DeConstructor

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 11:23

but it should also be added that this is a culture of anonymity with crimes (even violent ones) being covered up. We had a case (I think it was in Maine) where someone admitted to a sponsor they had killed someone and the sponsor waited over two weeks to contact law enforcement, while a dead body was laying cold.

If this thing were organized legally in a less Al Qaeda cell manner, I would think RICO racketeering statutes would kick in.

This will also be the death of the cult. Although judges may be priviledged with judicial immunity, private employers, social services, and organ transplant teams withholding organs are not. If these entites are verifiably advised (i.e. certified letters sent to them with news articles of the culture of violence and chronic non cooperation with law enforcement) these entities will have uncontrollable liability should someone be assaulted, raped, murdered, tortured, etc.

A couple of major companies holding the bag for this will stop the fresh meat in the roomz.

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 16:55

And from Akron, Ohio one of the "Best Known" Club Houses the "Arid Club" in Area 54, the "Birth Place of Alcoholics Anonymous" closed its doors in September of 2011. Deep in the Heart of Stepperville.

The Official Statement for the Arid Club on their website:

“Akron Arid Club September 30, 2011 Members and Guests of the Akron Aird Club, Inc. Due to the poor economic performance of The Arid Club – we are suspending all business operations. This suspension of club business and services is in an effort to reorganize and relocated to a more manageable facility. In addition to daily club operations – all bingo operations are suspended immediately. With regards to the “Mega-Game” – this is being postponed to a later date; we will make every effort to coordinate with another “hall” to facilitate this game. If you have paid for your “seat” we will be making arrangements to refund those entry monies. Please keep in mind that the Akron Arid Club is no different than any other “business” and that the poor economic conditions of the community have brought us to this point. We are saddened to be at this point; however, in an effort to restructure and survive as a community organization, these decisions were necessary. ”

http://akronaridclub.org/

Read all about it: http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/arid-club-in-akron-shuts-down-1.237936

And then also in Area 54 Akron, Ohio the "Birth Place of Alcoholics Anonymous" the “Today Club II” closed its doors in September of 2010, one year earlier.........

Read more: http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/103750664.html

(As a side note, these two clubs probably used an average of 300 Styrofoam cups a year, for a grand total 219,000 cups per year that were going to end up in a landfill.)

Do I have any votes for the "Little River Club" closing its doors in September 2012?

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

AntiDenial

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 17:42

It is still kind of amazing that in the heart of stepperville that the club would close. Donations must of really dropped off big time for them to close what they consider a historic meeting place for 12 steppers.

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 17:58

"According to 2010 data from Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office, which regulates charitable bingo in the state, the Akron Arid Club bingo game had gross receipts of $1,231,650 and expenses of $1,105,708 for its 2010 reporting period for a profit of $125,942. Net profits from bingo are expected to be lower this year, Wagoner said."

Source: http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/arid-club-in-akron-shuts-down-1.237936

So much for the 12 Step Gamblers Anonymous...........

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

AntiDenial

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 17:34

I vote it will close soon. I bet they may be the first ones to have 6000 lb cement blockades in front of their AA Club house! Hey maybe this is a trend! I know AA members are hard headed,but this one takes the cake.

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:31

What takes the cake is the low profit margin on $1.2M in gaming revenues. I doubt if the casinos in Nevada were build on a 10% margin...but then again I'm not a business guy.

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:39

The profit of $125,942 for the Arid Club in Akron was after all of the bills and salaries were paid. The overhead of the lights, salaries, etc... was paid first, they made $125,942 after all of the overhead and expenses were paid for. Where did the profit go?

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:40

So that makes my question even more to the point.

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:47

AKRON ARID CLUB INC
787 BROWN ST
AKRON, OH 44311-1851

EIN: 341007333
Ruling Date: 07/1968
NTEE: Z99Z - UNKNOWN
ERI NTEE: N50 - RECREATIONAL CLUBS
Group Exemption Number: 0000
SubSection: 03 - Charitable Organizations

Year IRS Process Date Form Type Assets
2008 09/25/2009 990 Initial Return $559,333
2007 09/25/2009 990 Initial Return $654,568
2006 02/05/2008 990 Initial Return $715,290
2005 08/29/2006 990 Initial Return $650,934
2004 08/23/2005 990 Initial Return $664,831
2003 09/15/2004 990 Initial Return $706,963
2002 08/26/2003 990 Initial Return $702,412

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

DeConstructor's picture

DeConstructor

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:43

have better security.

AA groups, meeting houses, sober houses etc are notorious for putting chronic embezzlers in the position of treasurer.

If you are around the culture for awhile, you will hear horror stories of all the money being taken over and over again. This is in addition to the books usually being a mess. My gut feeling is that was a number picked out of thin air so that financial overseers such as the IRS would have a number that would pass as legit.

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 20:28

That's right Dcon. My home group was ripped off for over $300 by an individual who disappeared and then reappeared in the group failing to make financial, or more importantly, at least verbal "amends."
On the positive side, we put in safeguards that should have been there in the first place.
Looking back, I guess I really didn't fully appreciate where I was and who I was associating with.
Lesson learned

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 05:14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdFwBckvYU4

"At around 12:38 am I was startled when I heard my dog barking up a storm. I turned my tv to the channel where I could view my cameras and witnessed a burglar (white male in his 40s with long blond hair, shorts and a short sleeve shirt) climbing over my neighbors fence leaving their property. I grabbed my gun and cellphone and ran outside. I confronted the burglar at gunpoint and told him to get on the ground. His breath wreaked of beer. I proceeded to call 911 and he turned around and took off running. I didn't even have shoes on and chose not to give chase. I also wasn't prepared to go to jail for shooting this idiot in the back. I watched him run as fast as he could westward on 80th street. To my surprise he stopped right when he got to the little river club's fence and jumped right over it. I told that to the 911 dispatcher when I was on the phone with her. I got a call about 8 minutes later from the police. THEY CAUGHT THE BURGLAR!!! I id'ed him and off he went in the back of the police car. It is funny that he chose to jump onto my neighbors property as they're always home and normally have multiple people there. It seemed like he cased the house out and knew no one was there. Although I am not going to make definitive accusations I have a vehemently strong feeling that this thief is a member of the little river club or has frequented it before. How did he know to stop right there at the little River Club property and jump the fence? I think because he knew where he was going!!!!!! It just seems way to coincidental that he was drunk and ran there to escape...I must say the police did an outstanding job apprehending the burglar. It was also nice to see the same faces I saw a few months ago when my home was burglarized by another person who came to my house two days in a row... "

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 20:57

Posted: 02/15/12

"It's an Alcoholics Anonymous club that members say has saved their lives. But neighbor say it's ruining their way of life, and now, the City of Miami, which gave the club permission for their parking lot 18 years ago, has blocked an entrance to it, which the members of Little River Club say could shut them down. Can a city do that? It's why the members contacted Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser.

WSVN -- If you have ever had a drinking problem and had the guts to confront it, you might have heard of the Little River Club.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "To me, it's the most important place in the world."

The Little River Club on 79th Street in Miami has helped Bob stay sober for 32 years.

John Donnelly, Little River Club: "This place saved my life. Thirty-five years ago, I came in here a broken man."

John is one of thousands of people who stopped drug or alcohol abuse thanks to the Little River Club.

Diana Cruz, Little River Club: "Well, this place was the back bone of my recovery. It helped me get my children back."

Their open doors have saved lives. Now, the Little River Club says the City of Miami is trying to shut its door.

John Donnelly, Little River Club: "They said we are a harm to the neighborhood."

Eighteen years ago, City of Miami officials gave the Little River Club the right to pave the lot behind the club and come in through this gate to use as a parking lot.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "And he said, 'That's fine, that's beautiful.' And we haven't had any parking lot trouble."

For 18 years, the members drove in behind the club. But now, the City of Miami has changed its mind and cited the club.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "Unauthorized use of our property."

The street behind the club is in Shorecrest, a residential neighborhood.

Some residents complained to Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, showed him a picture of a couple apparently having sex at a vacant house behind the club. Another picture appeared to show the couple walking in through the club's gate.

They showed Sarnoff and other commissioners pictures of two cars being worked on in the parking lot and pictures of beer cans on the ground on their street, which they say came from someone who had been at the club. Bob says the drinkers definitely weren't from the AA club, and his members obey the law.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "No one ever received a ticket for speeding. Nobody has ever been hit by a car."

The city then ordered Bob to shut the gate and block members from coming through, convinced it would be the beginning of the end of the Little River Club. He said no.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "And they had said that they can put me in jail, and I told them they didn't scare me."

The City of Miami then put up these barricades.

Bob says it's clear they are following the wishes of a few residents who want the AA club to go away.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "They told the judge that we do great work, saving people's lives, but not in my backyard. Go somewhere else."

There is a front gate to the Little River Club a block over on 79th Street, but a billboard owned by the club sits there, blocking traffic. To get in, members would have to drive on another owner's property.

Waste management can't get in, the garbage piles up, while worries pile up for members, afraid the AA club they depend on may go away.

Alan McDonald, Little River Club: "Little River Club saved my life, and I'm totally grateful to it, and whatever I can do, like Bob says, if I got to go to jail, I'll go with him."

Well Howard, you looked at the property. In 1994, the city said you can come through this gate. Today, they say you can't. Legally, can the City of Miami do that?

Howard Finkelstein, 7 News Legal Expert: "I think the city is going to lose because of what the law calls 'equitable estoppel.' The city gave this club permission to have ingress and egress and to pave this parking lot. The law is not going to let the city come back years later and take that permission away."

When I spoke to Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, he was open and blunt.

He said, we don't want the members of the club to have ingress and egress through the back gate; that the city approval 18 years ago was temporary and there is no paperwork that shows it was permanent approval to use the back gate.

He said the members could use the front gate, but they chose to block their own gate by putting up the billboard; that they should buy the property next door to drive through in the front.

When I mentioned the likelihood of a lawsuit, Sarnoff told me that based on the law generated by the city attorney's office, we feel comfortable with our decision.

Finally, he said city residents should not have to put up with activity they showed him in pictures.

Howard Finkelstein, 7 News Legal Expert: "It's not a reason to shut down ingress and egress from the club. People violate the law, arrest them for violating the law. You don't shut down the club to stop people from committing crimes, especially off the property."

The members here at the Alcoholics Anonymous club have beaten drugs and alcohol, and they won't give in to a city they believe wants them gone.

Robert Hardison, Little River Club: "No, they might knock us down, but they're not going to knock us out."

Patrick Fraser: "And the Little River Club is fighting back. They have filed suit to get the barricades removed. I asked Bob if he had the money to fight the city. He said no. But hopefully, we'll find some. How is the city gonna pay for the lawsuit? With your tax dollars. We'll keep an eye on this battle."

Troubles left you feeling barricaded? Wanna find a way to break through? Park it with us. Hopefully, we can drive in with a solution.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
EMAIL: helpmehoward@wsvn.com (Please include your contact phone number when emailing)
REPORTER: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
MIAMI-DADE: 305-953-WSVN
BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN

Read more: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/helpmehoward/MI94404/little-river-...

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.