Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: News
Ruling on liquor store move expected soon
Proposed liquor store's controversy is new for zoning officials, but local councilwoman supports the move
Madeleine Kronovet
"The Market [Street] store is inadequate to serve their needs," he said. "Community members were overwhelmingly in favor, so [Blackwell] wrote a letter of support."
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board spokeswoman Francesca Chapman also said the PLCB has received positive response from the surrounding neighborhood, since many residents have requested a higher-end liquor store in the area.
Chapman cautioned, however, that the move has not been finalized, and area reaction is always an important part of the decision.
"We haven't made any decisions on Walnut Street," she said. "The input of the community is always important to our decision making process, which is why we participate in public hearings."
That attitude seems to be a constant theme as local officials continue to stress that community response is essential in such a controversial decision.
"The board looks at the law, and that's what they're guided by," Grossbach said. "The board listens to the community and weighs community interests."
Still, Grossbach warned that this is not a battle between the mosque and the neighborhood.
"We're looking at what is the best use for that site," he said. "We tried to reason with the mosque and tried to accomodate their concerns."
Representatives from the mosque did not return repeated requests for comment.
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board spokeswoman Francesca Chapman also said the PLCB has received positive response from the surrounding neighborhood, since many residents have requested a higher-end liquor store in the area.
Chapman cautioned, however, that the move has not been finalized, and area reaction is always an important part of the decision.
"We haven't made any decisions on Walnut Street," she said. "The input of the community is always important to our decision making process, which is why we participate in public hearings."
That attitude seems to be a constant theme as local officials continue to stress that community response is essential in such a controversial decision.
"The board looks at the law, and that's what they're guided by," Grossbach said. "The board listens to the community and weighs community interests."
Still, Grossbach warned that this is not a battle between the mosque and the neighborhood.
"We're looking at what is the best use for that site," he said. "We tried to reason with the mosque and tried to accomodate their concerns."
Representatives from the mosque did not return repeated requests for comment.
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John Balls
posted 4/01/07 @ 3:45 PM EST
Liquor stores kick ass. Move that shit closer to Penn.
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