Photo of Westover Market’s outdoor cafe by Dennis Kingston.

Did you believe that incessantly cranky neighbors were a breed found only inside the confines of the District of Columbia? Think again! The Examiner reported earlier this week that the Arlington Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development was concerned that allowing the Westover Market on North Washington Boulevard — located about halfway between Ballston and Falls Church — to stage live music at its outdoor cafe and beer garden would transform the surrounding area into a mindless drunken orgy, the likes of which would put any Saturday night on 18th Street to shame.

Before it approved the permit for live music, the Department warned that “dozens of other restaurants” would apply for permits if Westover Market’s was approved, and they’re concerned because the Arlington County police force is already stretched:

The county generally hasn’t allowed outdoor music because of noise complaints from adjacent property owners.

In a report to the board, county staffers said they fear other establishments near the Beer Garden — Lebanese Taverna, Lost Dog Cafe and Stray Cat, to name a few — may request live music permits, compounding potential noise problems.

The main issue, according to board Chairman Chris Zimmerman, is whether the county is capable of enforcing its own law. The county lacks the manpower to police noise complaints during the evening and over weekends, when complaints would be most prevalent, he said.

What is this, Footloose? Hey, maybe all the businesses that are interested in hosting live entertainment need to do is just aim their speakers towards the Potomac — that seemed to work just fine for the cannon fire.

In any case, at least one board member was realistic about the whole situation — before the permit was issued on Tuesday, Walter Tejada told the paper “I accept the fact that not everyone’s going to be happy.” Ah, optimism.