Does anyone know what happened outside of Brandy’s Party Store yesterday, at about 7:30 PM? By way of Facebook, I know that a friend of mine was approximately 15 feet away when someone fired about 20 rounds from a moving vehicle, but that’s about it. I don’t know if any arrests were made, or if a motive is known, but I hear that it’s being discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting.
And, for what it’s worth, I’d like to proactively say to anyone who writes in to note that this could have been avoided if only my friend had been armed with a semiautomatic weapon of his own, that I appreciate your opinion, even though it’s stupid, but would rather focus on real, meaningful solutions.
Oh, and if you really want to be mad at the perpetrators of this violent act, not only did they endanger several lives, but they kept me from posting about my idea for turning Water Street into an enormous breastaraunt complex. (Ask me about it over beers sometime.)
[note: Speaking of City Council, that first link will take you to a somewhat dated, but still relevant, article about Brandy’s Party Store written by one of our currently serving Councilmen. As you may recall, when this particular Councilman first ran for office a few years ago, he promised to blog about everything, in an effort to ensure “complete transparency.” When you’re on his site, I’d encourage you to flip through the archives and make note of the number of posts he’s made in the last year. Knowing how hard it is to summon the energy to blog, I’ve been reluctant to call him out on this site, but I do think that when you run on a promise to share everything on the web, and run with that as a big part of your campaign, you might want to follow through more than once a year.]
78 Comments
When I wrote the 2nd Amendment, I most certainly did not mean to assure citizens the “right” to have semiautomatic weapons in their private possession.
Look Mark, if the guy being shot at would have had nuclear weapons, none of this would have happened.
I’ve heard from someone who lives very near Brandy’s that the reason its still open is that the city attorney failed to file the proper paperwork in a timely manner to make sure the place stayed closed the last time it was shut down. I don’t know if there is any truth to that.
I don’t really attend council anymore because working with council seems to accomplish little or nothing. As far as I can tell, members of council are only concerned with the opinions of their immediate neighbors, so those of us who live say downtown, or near a less than desirable neighborhood only get angry and frustrated, because our opinion doesn’t count as much as those who live in say Normal Park, Prospect Park, Depot Town, or College Heights.
As for that one council member, he says a lot of things. He also said the city could afford to pay to maintain Riverside Park, though the high weeds, graffiti, dead fish and huge increase in festival fees would seem to prove him a liar.
Top 10 reasons for maintaining the 2nd Amendment as written:
10 An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
9 A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
8 Gun control is not about guns; it’s about control.
7 If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
6 Only a government afraid of its citizens needs to control them.
5 Those who trade liberty for security… have neither.
4 The 2nd Amendment is there in case they ignore the others.
3 Assault is a behavior; not a device.
2 Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.
1 Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
I plan to surround myself at all times by a burning ring of Napalm-covered flaming razor wire. Any government that tries to stop me is totalitarian.
So, EOS, from what I can tell, you are suggesting that the person(s) who fired off their gun 20 some odd times at Brandy’s was 100% with in his rights? Or that, in the event of hearing a loud bang, all those near by should whip out guns and start firing at the nearest fleeing car?
We’re not talking about gun control. We’re talking about nuisance property.
And James, semi-automatic doesn’t actually mean that much. You still have to pull the trigger each time, you still have a somewhat limited number of shots; these weapons are generally very suitable for hunting. Certainly, you wouldn’t have called for the Kentucky riflemen to relinquish their more accurate rifles, the leading fire-arm technology of the day? Its assault style weapons and extended magazines where things start to get questionable.
oops. was 100% within his rights. He was clearly 100% with his guns.
Andrew,
No. The person who fired on Brandy’s violated the law and should be arrested and prosecuted. My comment was in response to the Professor who implied that the possession of semi-automatic weapons should not be a legal right or that we’ve somehow misinterpreted the right of law abiding citizens to bear arms.
So, what happened at the City Council meeting? Was there consensus that Brandy’s needed to be closed? Haven’t they had enough chances at this point?
Does ‘semiautomatic’ really need to be attached to this? Are you telling us that he wasn’t firing a muzzle-loader at the party store? Or that it wasn’t an Uzi? Neither is a big surprise.
(am pro-control)
It’s also worth mentioning how unpatriotic EOS’s statement is. I’m not just talking about the mindless repetition of easy-to-remember-but-meaningless phrases that is a symptom of our dying educational system. I’m talking about the implication that it’s a gun, not a vote, that makes a democracy. Why does EOS hate America?
Someone,
A better example of our dying educational system is that you think our form of government is a democracy. We didn’t vote our country into existence, we fought a war with the British using privately owned weapons.
With large amounts of assistance from the French. Don’t forget that.
So are you suggesting that asassination and murder are good methods of choosing governmental representatives?
Because that’s what you just said.
No I didn’t. War is a method of overthrowing a tyrannical government.
War is a method of killing. That’s all.
Not to rile everyone up, but why is it that stores in that area are like that? Is it that the people don’t demand better, is it that the store owners don’t give a shit, or is it possibly because of the customers? What I mean to say is, is Brandy’s really the culprit here, or is it possible that they’re doing the best they can given their clientele? You can yell at me if you want, but I think it’s worth considering.
EOS is now going to tell us that if we all chipped in and bought him a ticket to a random country where it’s normal to see people carrying AK-47s in the street, he would feel safer there, and that the system of government in that country was better than the one here.
You’re right, EOS, this is no longer a democracy. But it’s not guns that made this country what it is today. It’s willful ignorance.
We are not a Democracy nor have we ever been a Democracy.
THE POST WAS ABOUT A DRIVE BY AT BRANDY’S.
This is a community problem, and has little to do with the American Revolution, though one could draw that out if one wanted.
That place has been scketchy for years. I really don’t know why anyone would buy anything there, and the dates on the food indicate that there must be something else going on besides sales of potato chips.
There were roaches in the cooler that last time I was there.
Someone,
Today, in America, you can carry a loaded weapon in the street. It’s a constitutionally guaranteed right. I feel safe here. I love this country and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
I want to get back to the breastaurant thing. Why aren’t there scholongtaurants? What does it say about how we view women? I mean, I don’t want to go overboard on this, but if I had a daughter, I would not want her to think that being a “scantily clad” waitress is a burgeoning job option (yes, I know they are just putting themselves through college!!11!!1!). Something about it just skeeves me out….
Does anyone else remember when the comments section on MM.com were full of insight and sometimes comical posts? I do. Ahhh…the good days. The constant EOS rhetoric bullshit on every post is growing tiresome. For the sake of your readers Mark, it may be time to drop the ban-hammer.
Patti, Thank God there isn’t scholongtaurants. I would have a hard time enjoying my chicken wings with balls anywhere in my line of sight. Now boobs are another thing…
Damn EOS, something we finally agree on..!!!
Mark – are you alluding to Brian Robb and his poor excuse for a blog? Why are you such a wimp when it comes to calling out a member of city council? This is your blog. MAN UP…!
Burt,
Mark should be paying me for the traffic I bring to this site. When I don’t comment, the thread often dies with just a few posts.
If the city attorney failed to do something about that party store and we still have it because he failed to file paper work, he should be fired. Pure and simple. I live near there and that really pisses me off.
“Today, in America, you can carry a loaded weapon in the street. It’s a constitutionally guaranteed right.”
Shockingly, this is not accurate. Many states have open carry in their statutes or constitutions, but the US Supreme Court DID NOT rule that in Heller. They ruled there is an individual right to possess a firearm for traditional purposes, such as self defense in a home. States may still regulate open/concealed carry, etc., but can’t enact total bans.
Burt Reynolds, how open-minded of you, “it may be time to drop the ban-hammer”? If you don’t like what EOS says, ignore him. He is pushing his agenda and your buttons, and it is EASY to push your buttons! It’s fun too.
Andy,
Are there States that would prohibit a person from carrying a loaded shotgun in full view in public?
OK, now that the idiots have sounded off on their off-topic bullshit (not that we’ll ever get our heads around “We are not a Democracy” – is that the new “birther”? – a “democratirther”?)….
In case we have all forgotten: The city manager fucked this up. I don’t know how, but somehow this is his useless fault. What does that bag of shit even do? What does he manage, because he sure as hell doesn’t have any staff any more. He can’t clear this town of one lousy roach-infested, bullet-ridden hellhole? Why does he have a job when so many don’t? WHAT DOES HE DO?!!!!
Patti, there was a scholongtaurant once. But the old “Nick the Dick” trick from the movie “Bachelor Party” was just too irresistible and the former city manager – who, you know, actually worked for a living – shut it down. Besides, everybody knows you just want a “rubyourfeetateria”.
Please bring this post back to the drive by at Brandys.
EOS and Andrew Clock please shut up
From AA.com
“City Attorney John Barr said the city took the party store’s owners to court in 2008 and that case ended in a Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge ordering the owners to address crime issues and work with the community. A timeline on meeting the requirements of that order extended into 2010, Barr said, and the city was aware those deadlines and requirements weren’t being met last year.
As the city was preparing to re-initiate legal action, Barr said, the Michigan State Police and Ypsilanti Police were working on an undercover operation targeting the property. Because police officials feared the added attention of a lawsuit could jeopardize the undercover operation, legal action was delayed.
A raid following the operation resulted in several arrests and the store was closed down for a week, which several residents said was the most peaceful week they’ve experienced living in Ypsilanti. A judge subsequently reopened the 2008 case, Barr said. He said the additional information and affidavits from residents would bolster the city’s case.
“We are concerned and will take immediate action on this,” Barr said.”
Who are the owners and where do they live? Might be time do be a little more direct with our message. I don’t mean to go put flaming poop on their doorstep or t-bag their mom or anything, but drawing them out for a public shaming of some sort might be in order (up to and including t-bagging their mom, I suppose).
It is possible that the owners of Brandy’s have little control over their customers. I doubt that the owners of Brandy’s are very happy about having their customers shot at.
The property owner appears to be Brian Hanna and OBRIAN BUILDING, LLC (2012).
https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/ecommerce/property/showSummary.do?uniqueKey=11-11-39-145-036@2012
I don’t know, Peter; there’s no such thing as bad press.
20 rounds, shot out of a moving vehicle, 15 feet away from you, at 7:30 pm, sounds terrifying. wtf. i’m glad your friend is okay.
Mark,
I wasn’t really serious. You can keep all the windfall profits from this blog. I don’t envy your wealth and I won’t confiscate your riches. You’re free to spend your earnings on your heart’s desires.
Below is an email that was sent to Ypsilanti City Council by city manager Ed Koryzno:
Mayor and Council Members:
This is a status report of actions taken today by city staff that will be shared with the Mid Town residents. Please contact me if you should have any questions.
To Mid-Town Residents:
Staff met this morning to prepare a strategy to resolve the criminal and ordinance issues expressed by your residents at the June 7 council meeting related to Brandy’s Liquor Store. Below is a brief synopsis of what we know to date. As we move forward we will have a better understanding of a timeline and future actions.
1. The Police arrested Brandon Hanna at Brandy’s on an outstanding Michigan State Police felony warrant in regards to the raid/investigation of buying and receiving stolen properties. He will be booked and lodged at Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department for the night, most likely posting bond tomorrow. His arrest will advance the criminal case against Brandy’s and he will receive a court date for a preliminary exam when he appears before the judge tomorrow. The Ypsilanti Police Department K-9 Unit assisted and performed a walk through inside Brandy’s. Contact was made with the owner, Samir Hanna, who advised that the store’s video system is still down, but is being upgraded.
2. John Barr, City Attorney is working with staff, neighbors and others to prepare the nuisance case against Brandy’s, as well as revocation of their liquor license.
3. The Police Department continues investigating the complaint of drug sales at and around the Brandy’s location
4. Ordinance enforcement visited Kircher properties on Summit Street today and has issued violation notices for grass, excess vegetation in rear yards, as well as litter, and is issuing citations for four vehicles.
I urge you to continue contacting the police department and report any criminal or suspicious activity in the area at 483-9510, however, please call 911 for any emergency.
Ordinance issues or questions may be addressed by contacting Frank Daniels at 734-482-1025 or fdanielsjr@cityofypsilanti.com.
If you would prefer to talk to City Manager staff about other issues contact April McGrath at 734-483-7290 or amcgrath@cityofypsilanti.com.
We will be sending out weekly updates regarding our progress on these issues. I ask for your continued assistance and support as we resolve these concerns. My staff and I are committed to keeping this matter a top priority until resolved.
Thank you!
Edward B. Koryzno Jr.
City Manager
City of Ypsilanti
1 S. Huron Street
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
http://www.cityofypsilanti.com
So, Mark, I’m not sure I understand your lengthy parenthetical. Are you trying to say that if Mr. Robb spent more time updating his blog, he wouldn’t have so much time to shoot off rounds in party store parking lots? Because otherwise I just don’t see the link here.
But I won’t think too hard about it, because I’m busy having my mind blown by the aptly named Brainless, with, “The city manager fucked this up. I don’t know how, but somehow this is his useless fault. “ I…just…well…wow. I don’t know what to say in the face of such an eloquently presented, fact-based case.
Thank you for the update, Mr. Mayor.
As for your question, Murph, I tend to write about a lot of different stuff in each post. In this one, for instance, I also mention breasteraunts. So, I don’t see the “lengthy parenthetical” about Brian as being all that odd. This whole site is just a long chain of lengthy parentheticals. And I never suggested that there was a link between his not blogging and the shooting. That would be silly. What I did, was include a link to an article about Brandy’s that he’d posted a few years back. I did so because I thought the material he presented was relevant. And, after doing so, I got to thinking about how he’d told a lot of us that, if he were elected, he’d bring transparency to city government through his blog. Then I went back, out of curiosity, and looked at his blog and saw that he’d only posted once in the last 13 months. And, yeah, I commented on that fact. I didn’t, however, suggest that his not blogging had anything to do with crime at Brandy’s, and I’m not sure how you read that into it. Sorry for the confusion.
Brainless,
NO ONE CAN TOUCH MY FEET!!!!!!!!!! Freaks me out. Now I’m freaked out. Now I must dance around the living room being freaked out
:)
I have lived next to Brandy’s for over 25 years. In that time there have been numerous assaults and one murder. The prior owners (15 years ago?) were much worse and probably caused the murder (failed to pay extortion or loansharks). Samir and his family have been over their head in trying to run the store for years. Since Kirchers properties on Summit have been closed, the drug dealing has declined in obvious ways. The question is, how responsible is Samir and family for the customers who frequent the store? They took away the lottery a couple of years ago, and along with the closing of Krichers homes, the neighborhood is quieter. This part of Ypsi has been the wild west since forever. Does anyone else remember when the Ypsi housing authority had its own gun thugs they used to try to keep the law back in the 80’s? The law takes a long time. It took the city a decade to reign in Kircher, and it was only his stupidity that sent him to prison. It’s only been four or five years that the city has been going after Brandy’s. Bottom line seems to me, the is all part of that war on drugs, which the UN is telling us we’ve lost–seems obvious to me. Drive by shootings are almost always related to turf battles over drugs and as our economy continues its long slow slide to 3rd. world status, criminality is one of the few economically viable options for some.
I’m curious where all the bullets went.
Jesus… *shakes head* I drove past that place all the time. Scary. I really don’t know what to say right now… it makes me sad this is happening in Ypsi.
Jake, are you suggesting that the alleged event never took place?
I think Black Jake is trying to determine where the bullets ended up…as in in the side of a house/bulding, the ground, lodged in a sign…not if they actually existed, Mr. X.
WOW, and Bush/Cheney, who factually admitted to creating a false war in IRAG, hundereds of thousands dead, US solders, Iraq’s etc, get off free.
Messed up world.
Watching Laughing.
Andrew re: city attorney, agreed. His advice hasn’t been all that good for a while: Beal, voting twice on buses, redo this, redo that…city needs more effective representation.
Billy is correct. 20 bullets fired in a residential neighborhood had to end up somewhere.
There is a high likelihood that urban chickens ate the bullets.
Such is the world we live in.
The police marked the locations and then collected the shells and bullets. You can see holes in the fences and and also in the garage door of the house next door. They also were checking across Michigan Ave. along that fence line too. I don’t know if they found any on that side of the street. The numbers being reported are based on what was found and not actually shot.
OK Murph, please tell me how he didn’t fuck this up. He is in charge. He is the head honcho. He is full time and gets just GREAT reviews from council.
How long should this take exactly?
Or are you suggesting I should simply expect less of our leaders? He gave his gul-durndest best effort? Is that it? Am I supposed to learn about process and all the major players and take a bow to certain nuances in the law?
Or should I just sit here like an average human being and look at this situation that has been going on FOR YEARS and wonder why any of these yahoos get paid.
In the end, you either produce or you suck. That’s how it is in the non-government world. But y’all have fun with our money now.
Hey Brainless. “He’s in charge” ain’t an answer. It’s dodging followed by more baseless attack.
Take a little time and read the council minutes. See former ward 1’s contribution to the stalling on Brandy’s. Take a little more time and see where the city manager’s power ends. You’re really not looking very good on this, buddy.
Give specifics or admit your just blowing off your ignorance.
as an aside, I believe the correct spelling is actually “BREASTAURANT.”
no aunts, please. And a SCHLONG is never a SCHOLONG! I should know!
thank you
did any minorities show up to the meeting and ask the city shut down brandys? or was it all rich, white people bragging about how much taxes they pay who own a lot of buildings downtown and send their kids to private school?
this town needs a black ypsi blog.
talked to some of the folks who talked to folks who witnessed the event. sounds like two cars engaging in a wild west shoot-out while driving. they were actually driving down the alley behind Brandies-an L shaped alley that runs from Michigan to Summit. The word on the street is they were from Inkster and Ann Arbor-not local customers.
Gollipson, I wrote an insanely sarcastic email in response to you, but I just don’t have to heart to go on with this. You all can twist your heads around in knots trying to defend the process and efforts here, but I guess I’ve been in the private sector too long and that sort of thinking simply isn’t allowed. I’m more sad than angry.
Do or do not, there is no try.
From AnnArbor.com.
The rest of the article is here:
http://www.annarbor.com/news/brandys-liquor-shop-owner-says-his-store-isnt-the-source-of-the-neighborhoods-crime-issues/
Ultimately, Hanna said, it is not his store’s fault that there is crime in the area.
“I can’t control what happens in the streets,” he said. “If they want, I can be like Rambo and go into the street with two AK-47’s in my hands. I could probably do a better job than the police.”
Are you agreeing with that Jake? Do you think our store owners should carry AK-47s?
I’m posting it because I thought it was funny in regard to the content of Mark’s original post.
I can’t say for certain whether I agree with it or not, not yet having seen how well he can shoot with two AK-47’s at the same time.
I know this can’t be true. My dad told me the other day that no one can buy ammunition anymore because of Obama.
The problem is obviously convenience stores. They need to be banned.
I spoke to one of the young men involved in this shooting, let’s just call him ‘milk-dud’, and he swore that this was nothing more than blowing off some steam for the bad job prospects caused by the uncertainty in bond market and lack of clarity in the regulatory outlook going forward in the small business environment.
Anyone notice the message spray painted on the back door of the party store?? If you haven’t it read something like this ” FU arabz ni**er lovers”
So, have the found the shooter(s)? Is the store still open?
April McGrath, Ypsilanti’s Director of Administrative Services, sent the following update out to City Council this morning.
April, since you named the owner of one of the neglected properties on Summit,(Kircher), could you please name the owners of the other four properties you mentioned in your letter. It only seems fair.
All four properties on Summit Street referenced are vacant and owned by David Kircher.
Yesterday, a judge ordered the store padlocked for a year.
From Pete Murdock:
BRANDY UPDATE
Below is a report from the City Attorney on the status of Brandy’s
Attached is our report on the present situation of Brandy’s. The store is open. Neighbors should keep a close eye on the operations and if there are problems, document what is observed and notify the Ypsilanti Police Department. We will keep our file open.
John
MEMORANDUM
TO: Hon. Paul Schreiber, Mayor of the City of Ypsilanti
FROM: John M. Barr, Ypsilanti City Attorney
DATE: August 20, 2013
SUBJECT: Brandy’s Liquor Store
This memo is in response to two reports from neighbors of Brandy’s Liquor Store on West Michigan Avenue that the store has re-opened, is selling alcohol, and that the Hannas are involved in the operation of the business.
On June 12, 2013, I issued a memo to Council advising that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission investigation into the transfer of the liquor licenses from Hanna Brothers Worldwide, Inc. to Mich Summit, Inc. was completed and that the investigation recommended the transfer. However, I also informed you that the MLCC would not hold the hearing to transfer the license before Hanna Brothers Worldwide paid a pending violation fee owed to the MLCC. It appears as though this fee was paid, as the MLCC approved the transfer and Mich Summit currently possesses both licenses previously owned by Hanna Brothers Worldwide.
It should be pointed out that there has been a dialogue between the Ypsilanti Police Department and Mich Summit regarding the operation of the store. The use of a surveillance system, keeping the property clear of loitering, and involvement in the surrounding neighborhood were discussed. There had been contact between the Ypsilanti Police and the MLCC investigator as well. This occurred prior to the completion of the report.
The MLCC hearing where the transfer was approved was held without notice to the City of Ypsilanti, though no notice is required. To keep abreast on the situation, this Office submitted a request subscription under the Freedom of Information Act to the MLCC on November 29, 2012. This subscription was renewed on June 12, 2013. We received information pursuant to the first FOIA request, but no response to the extension.
Chapter 6, Article II, Division 2 of the City of Ypsilanti’s Code of Ordinances requires that the transfer of a liquor license requires approval from City Council. However, the ordinance uses only the broad term “liquor license,” where there are several different types of licenses under the Liquor Control Code. Section 501(2) the Liquor Control Code only requires local approval of liquor licenses if the license is for on-premises consumption. Both of the licenses in this matter are for off-premises consumption.
As to recourse, there is none under the previous nuisance abatement action initiated by the City, as those proceedings have concluded. It was those proceedings that resulted in the store being padlocked for 14 months and ultimately being closed for business for an additional 10 months. However, our remedies under that action are exhausted. There must be some grounds pursuant to the statute in order to initiate a new action. Those grounds include prostitution, gambling, disorderly persons, controlled substances, and unlawful intoxicating liquors.
The Hannas involvement in the current operation of the store may be in violation of the August 6, 2012, order of the MLCC that required the transfer of the liquor license to a party that is unassociated with the Hannas. However, this order is up for the MLCC to enforce. This Office has been in contact with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office in this regard. I will advise if and when something develops regarding this situation.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Barr, City Attorney
There was another shooting at the same location today. I don’t know the specifics.
All part of Trump’s plan. Just wait and see.
Aloha, 15 year old was leaving the store. Got into an altercation with two other guys. One of them shot the 15 year old, I heard 3 shots.
Donald Trump has been the strongest on gun control of any President in history. Tremendous work.
By “on” do you mean “against”?
Donald Trump has made guns a priority. No one has been tougher on gun issues than Donald Trump, the greatest President we have ever had.
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