Say Yes to Alcohol
Apologies to those who are not my immediate neighbors, but today's post is hyper-local in nature. The community association that I am on the board of has an online petition in support of the state liquor store application at 43rd and Chestnut Streets. You may wonder why a tee-totaler like me is lobbying for more alcohol. I'll give you four reasons:
1) The store would knock out a huge porn shop that currently anchors the shopping plaza.
2) It would catalyze physical and store mix improvements to the plaza.
3) It would lead to some nice BYOB's in the area.
4) It would be high-end in nature, so would draw in sophisticated shoppers and not winos.
Click here if you want to sign the petition, or else go to Spruce Hill Community Association's website.
1) The store would knock out a huge porn shop that currently anchors the shopping plaza.2) It would catalyze physical and store mix improvements to the plaza.
3) It would lead to some nice BYOB's in the area.
4) It would be high-end in nature, so would draw in sophisticated shoppers and not winos.
Click here if you want to sign the petition, or else go to Spruce Hill Community Association's website.
Comments
As a tee-totaler myself I agree with all of your points besides number 4. My guess is the store will draw both sophisticated shoppers and winos even if it's attempting to cater to the sophisticated. I can't say I'm too invested in any outcome but I generally hope the state store comes and improves the shopping center--it is an eyesore.
I do want to somewhat defend the mosque attendants opposed to the liquor store. Zoning relief often hinges on the preferences of locals--that's the doing of the ZBA. I don't find Muslims not wanting alcohol anymore unreasonable than neighbors wanting to save a mural, or neighbors disliking the design of a building or thinking a restaurant might be a nuisance. Zoning input is always based on paternalistic instincts of neighbors. I completely blame the ZBA for respecting the opinions of neighbors more than they respect property rights. But insofar is that is how the ZBA functions they should listen to Muslims and their concerns about alcohol just as much as they listen to all of the other neighborly concerns. Personally, I would welcome the ZBA being more steadfast and granting relief when legally necessary. That would force us to make tough zoning decisions during the mapping process and not by variance.
I appreciate hearing your perspective directly because I too have read the papers so I am aware of the coverage but have not had much direct contact with those whose opinions the papers are covering.
I agree with you that it is appropriate - indeed, necessary - for folks to voice their concerns about a local matter.
When we disagree, and when we believe we are right, it is natural to want to caricature the other side, or at least to be dismissive and close-minded.
I am thankful we have a free press, but am mindful of the challenge they face - in a fiscally constrained time, no less - to balance fair coverage with the need to tell an interesting story (read: conflict).
Thank you for your contributions and for being an active and thoughtful citizen.