Another liquor store?

Numerous neighbors have expressed concern related to the new liquor store, Gemstone Liquor, at 222 Farren Ave.

There will be a public meeting this Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30 pm at Walk of Faith Church, 104 Fairmont Avenue with the State Department of Consumer Protection, Gemstone owners and neighbors/the community.

Please join us on Tuesday to express your opinions and concerns. A strong turnout is key!!!!

Background:

The liquor store was granted a permit by the city. In order to receive this permit, they had to be more than 500 feet from a school and 1500 feet from another liquor store or grocery store that sells beer/liquor. Gemstone is very close to the new Elm City Montessori, but slightly more than 500 feet. There was a grocery store down the street with a liquor permit, but it had expired when Gemstone applied.

Neighbors in the immediate vicinity have voiced strong objection to the liquor store, and filed a remonstrance with the Liquor Division of the Department of Consumer Protection, citing:

• This neighborhood mostly      consists of transient tenants of low income and already has a high rate of      criminal activity and elements: i.e., drugs and prostitution. Adding a      liquor store to this neighborhood will increase the criminal element and      contribute to the social and personal decline.
• There is an elementary school      only two blocks away from the store location
• There is already am      establishment within a few yards of the intended establishment which      currently holds a liquor permit
• A liquor store will not add      to the quality of life for the residents of this neighborhood, it will      only decrease it

The State's Liquor Division said that most of the time the remonstrances are over-ruled (and city permits upheld), however they explained that the only reasons the State would support the remonstrance against the liquor permit is if either of the below could be proven:

1. unsuitability of the owner

2. unsuitability of the location