Supporters and opponents of the proposed liquor store at the corner of 43rd and Chestnut streets are expected to attend a new Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) hearing tomorrow, June 6, at 1515 Arch Street (18th floor). The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
The Spruce Hill Community Association has tentatively supported the proposal with the stipulation that the 5,000-square-foot space be converted to an “upscale” store. Several residents have signed an online petition in support of the store.
Many Muslim residents who live near the location oppose the proposal. The plaza also includes a halal restaurant and butcher shop. The Masjid al-Jamia mosque is a block away on 43rd and Walnut.
The ZBA rejected the zoning application in April.
This is not the first time the ZBA has rejected a plan for a liquor store in the area. In 2007 the ZBA rejected an application for a liquor store near 43rd and Walnut – across the street from Masjid al-Jamia – after vocal opposition from Muslim residents.
June 5th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Other than signing the online petition, is there anything that those of us who can’t attend a 1 pm hearing in CC can do?
June 5th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
I have no problem with another liquor store. It’s legal. And while people shouldn’t abuse alcohol, why should we make it difficult for the 80-95% of people who are adults and who can drink responsibly? State stores are in my experience pretty good at preventing minors from buying. A lot better than what I experienced in other states which don’t use the state store system.
And with all due respect to my Muslim neighbors, why single out this one place? There is a beer distributor a block away which even closer to the mosque across the street from the Supermarket on 43rd and Walnunt. There are a couple of bars I can think of a block away on 44th Street. Where would this end?
June 5th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
a strip mall intersection with a collapsed church, a porno store, and a donut shop? it is already one of the trashiest intersections in the neighborhood. i don’t see how a liquor store could do any more harm.
if the ‘Many Muslim residents’ don’t like it, then they don’t have to go there. i don’t approve of butcher shops, but this is an ostensibly free country.
June 5th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
For the record, there are plenty of Muslim residents who think that the Muslims protesting the store are ridiculous.
June 5th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Did the zoning board ever say why the proposal was previously rejected?
June 6th, 2012 at 9:35 am
@Christina, if you can’t attend today at 1, the most important thing you can do is publicize the hearing to friends and neighbors you know who can attend. ZBA usually counts the number of people present who are supportive and number who are against, and that factors into their decision. The petition signatures were an important step too, so thanks for doing that.