On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Cook County Circuit Judge Richard Siebel ruled that Casanova’s, 2421 W. Lawrence Ave., could be evicted by its landlords for breaking the terms of the lease.
It seems Alberto Bedoya, owner of Casonova’s, had only a Pyrrhic victory when he fought for—and won—the right to keep his liquor license.
A Pyrrhic victory means the victor loses more than he wins. Pyrrhus beat the Romans in 279 B. C. but with such heavy casualties that he said, “One more such victory and I am lost.”
The victor in this case is Alberto Bedoya, owner of Casanova’s, who will be evicted after years of court battles in which he spent thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Bedoya successfully fought the city ordinance allowing citizens to vote a particular address “dry.” However, he had to sell the property in September 1999 to pay legal fees for his appeal in the 7th Federal District Court which eventually struck down the decision. His victory kept his liquor license in his name but he lost ownership of the property.
The residents and the Greater Rockwell Organization (GRO) had waged war on the club because of drunk and disorderly patrons, drinking on the public way, public urination, prostitution, loud music, and litter.
The residents final assault was a few years ago when they voted the premises “dry,” preventing the club from serving liquor.
By law, Bedoya can not transfer his license to another venue because he is not a corporation. This means he will lose his license when evicted.
Complicating this issue is the question of Mr. Bedoya’s residence. He seems to live in either Ft. Meyers, FL, or Columbia, South America, or both—but not in Illinois. The Illinois Liquor commission is investigating because Illinois residency is mandatory for a liquor license.
Camelot Realty, the new owners, began eviction measures two years ago because neither rent nor property taxes were being paid, and because there was poor maintenance of the building.
“He did everything he could do wrong—and then some...,” said Rich Aronson of Camelot. “He irritated residents and built another floor for his penthouse without a building permit.”
After Feb. 18, Camelot Realty will implement Phase 3 of “The Artesian,” a 21-condo complex with 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, and a 35 car parking garage, that has been on hold for years.
Lars Gingery of the Greater Rockwell organization (GRO) sounded relieved when he heard of the eviction. “We feel it is a just end to the legal process,” he said.
“This is a long awaited event,” added Dick Hankett, executive director of Ravenswood Community Council. “We now look forward to the renovation of that property.”
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