Opinion ID: 2147018
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Expert Testimony Against Issuing the License

Text: Under Neb.Rev.Stat. § 84-914(1) (Reissue 1999), the Objectors requested the Commission comply with the rules of evidence. Two experts testified for the Objectors. The first expert was Dr. Rebecca K. Murray, who is an assistant professor of sociology and anthropology at Creighton University. She received her master's degree and doctorate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research focuses on environmental criminologystudying how urban structures affect crime within particular areas. Although she is not familiar with the Hamilton Street neighborhood (Neighborhood), she has studied how liquor establishments affect automobile thefts and assaults in Omaha; she testified that a correlation exists between crime and liquor establishments. She opined that assaults rise by 1.0959 per year per block when increasing the number of off-sale liquor-serving establishments from zero to one; assaults rise by 2.0117 when increasing the number of liquor establishments from one to two. Presently, one liquor storeabout one-half to one block from Mercantile's proposed locationserves the Neighborhood. Presently, two to three assaults occur per year in the Neighborhood. Murray stated her research methodology is generally accepted in her field. Relying on her research, training, and education, Murray opined that issuing a liquor license to Mercantile at the proposed location would not serve the public's interests. She added that a liquor establishment would increase crime anywhere in Omaha, but that the Neighborhood, a residential area, already has a higher crime rate compared with the city as a whole. She further stated that her opinion was her best-guess based on her research. The second expert was Dr. Russell L. Smith, who teaches urban studies and public administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has a doctorate in political science. He focuses on public policy, urban revitalization, and community development. Smith is familiar with the Neighborhood because he works with programs and projects concerning the Neighborhood. In addition, he has conducted surveys and focus groups on issues regarding the Neighborhood. He testified that the Neighborhood is in an advanced state of decline, as evidenced by the number of vacant lots, declines in housing values, and a population decrease. He stated that the deteriorated commercial strip showed promise for revitalization efforts, but that putting a liquor store there would be a disservice to the Neighborhood. Smith conducted a survey that found 42 percent of the respondents have concerns about illegal alcohol use in the Neighborhood. He opined that Mercantile's liquor store would negatively affect the surrounding community.