Facts about "Are We Live" Have Been Distorted

From the Desk of Gary Grasso April 29, 2021

Yellow journalism (journalism that is based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration) asserts a false premise as true then manufactures stories upon the falsity. Deception and confusion in news reporting along with throw anything against-the-wall, on-line hysterics seems to be the fare du jour. A prime example is the tempest that one spiteful, vinegar-veined person, a soundly repudiated elected official and distortion Patch reporter David Giuliani have separately or in concert created over the yet to be approved Are We Live? (“AWL”) as a “nightclub.” Nightclubs operate in large venues that often include a stage for shows, a dance floor, disc jockey playing high energy music, high-backed booths, lounge furniture, tables for two and usually drinks only. None of that is proposed for AWL, but Giuliani and his frenzied feeders won’t tell you that. The plans are available on the village website (https://www.burr-ridge.gov/village-board/planning-commission-zoning-board-of appeals; go to 310-312 Burr Ridge Parkway). They show (inside a former dress stop store front) a one-room area totaling about 2,500 sq. feet – which is slightly larger than our village bakery that occupies about 2,000 sq. feet. There are about 80 seats proposed of traditional restaurant square tables of four, a bar, and a pizza oven area (for heating small dishes and maybe pizza), refrigerators, ice machine and bathrooms. There is no stage, no dance floor, no DJ booth, no band area. Look at it - it is not a nightclub even applying the sensationalism and crude exaggeration of Giuliani and his fear mongers.

There was an original request for live music at AWL – like we allow at all restaurants. One of our most popular restaurants has a dedicated space for piano, and additional musicians. But, AWL withdrew the request for live music. It is asking only to play background music from speakers that also is allowed in many of our restaurants. It will be a place for a drink, conversation and small plates. Look at the plans. If AWL is approved, I hope some couples get up occasionally to dance if they can find the room. In fact, I hope we soon get a place to dance somewhere in Burr Ridge. Music and even dancing are considered fun by most everyone. We allow – and I encourage – reasonable fun in Burr Ridge. It’s overdue since Covid resulted in a 2020-21 lock-down.

But Giuliani and his fear feeders conjure music and dancing as something seedy and label them as “night-clubs” simply to tear down the petitioner. They then stump their hysterics through the Patch that seems willing to print any absurdity – just for the click of it. When our diligent village administrator noted that AWL was contemplated under a temporary COVID zoning process (that was never actually utilized or opened) and a special use for parking was noted (as is needed now for ANY new business in County Line Square because of ratios between parking and business), Giuliani did not explain it but instead twisted selected quotes into a headline that suggested AWL was approved already. It was not – and he knew it. One result of this Patch-fed fear mongering is that a resident who lives in Ambriance! (at least a football field distance away) believed their spin and stated her objection to AWL. Maybe others are reacting to this bad information as well without knowing the facts.

We all know what this is really about. Giuliani and a few bitter, jealous people will say anything negative they can fabricate about the immensely successful Capri Ristorante. Since 2005, Capri’s celebrated food and “Cheers”-like atmosphere has made Capri a local, and area, favorite for many. No restaurant is more associated with Burr Ridge than Capri. A couple of people in particular hate anything Capri and always stir the mud raking waters with Giuliani’s willing help. The hateful trustee started his self-proclaimed “night-club” claim about AWL when he was looking at the plans for an entirely different establishment at another location. He mischaracterized those plans too. That did not stop him from continuing his claim that AWL was a “nightclub” without ever acknowledging the actual plan that was submitted to the Village. Like a runaway train, Giuliani and his ally ran with this misconception and glued the term to AWL also never explaining the facts. To stoke the rumor mongering and sensationalism, Giuliani then injected his own rhetoric that the Mayor has “ties” to Capri because I dine there often, there is a wonderful linguini dish on the menu with my surname, and I received a donation in 2018 when I ran unsuccessfully for Attorney General. Giuliani, despite his own surname, added that word because Capri’s owner and I have Italian surnames. He does it to imply wrongdoing where there is none. He does it to defame and fan the flame of anti-Italian-American stereotyping. He can get away with it sadly because we apparently are the last ethnic group the media can libel with social impunity. Having to deal with online-click reporters like patch-etic David Giuliani is part of the mayor’s thankless job too. So, try the “Linguini a la Mayor Grasso” at Capri Ristorante – delizioso. There are dishes named for Coach Q, Denis Savard and Pat Bruno too – but you weren’t told that either.

AWL will go through the same review process all businesses go through in Burr Ridge. We likely have the most talented and best-informed Plan Commission in the Chicago suburbs. It has had high level commissioners with those qualifications for at least four decades. This is “a very special place” largely because of the plan commissioners then and now. As Mayor through the building of the Village Center, Loyola, the police facility, two hotels, the Veterans Memorial, large and not-so-large houses, I can assure you that the Plan Commission deliberates and decides based on the facts – and not infrequently, denies or substantially restricts plans of residents or businesses as it deems needed in best interests of Burr Ridge. The Plan Commission has done its job with all establishments, developments and others - and will do so with AWL. The Village Board then will review, debate, and decide as well. It’s all public and anyone can attend any of these meetings, respectfully. Certainly, any legitimate potential noise, hours of operation, parking, and related issues must be considered and corralled on paper and in actuality – as we have always done. But, work with the facts – not the published distortions soaked in a few people’s vindictive venom.

Thank you for your time.

Gary Grasso