Redevelopment could rewrite liquor laws
Updated: November 8, 2012
DECATUR -- Upgrades in one neighborhood could mean changes to the liquor license code city-wide. WCIA-3's Ashley Michels explains.
On the north end corner sits an empty lot. It's an old gas station turned eyesore. It's been this way for years, but now city leaders hope to give this place new life.
"We think it's not only important to develop other parts of our city, but also to develop our inner core as well."
Plans include another gas station, a laundromat and stores; all good things for this struggling neighborhood. But, in planning, there was a glitch.
"Originally, staff recommended alcohol sales not be allowed on site."
That's because residents complained about too much of it. City leaders say it was one of the biggest issues brought up during the summer's Neighborhood Walk Program which asked home owners to tell all about life here.
"They have some questions about the number of establishments selling alcohol in the inner city."
Worrying more booze means more problems, the city's entire liquor license code will get a review instead of just targeting new shops in the intended renovation area. Leaders will look at how many places sell it and what the quality of life is like in those areas.
"Basically, everything that governs alcohol sales in the city just to see if there's something we need to do differently."
Construction on the new development is expected to start soon. As it stands now, stores scheduled to go there will be allowed to sell alcohol as long as a liquor license is issued.
On the north end corner sits an empty lot. It's an old gas station turned eyesore. It's been this way for years, but now city leaders hope to give this place new life.
"We think it's not only important to develop other parts of our city, but also to develop our inner core as well."
Plans include another gas station, a laundromat and stores; all good things for this struggling neighborhood. But, in planning, there was a glitch.
"Originally, staff recommended alcohol sales not be allowed on site."
That's because residents complained about too much of it. City leaders say it was one of the biggest issues brought up during the summer's Neighborhood Walk Program which asked home owners to tell all about life here.
"They have some questions about the number of establishments selling alcohol in the inner city."
Worrying more booze means more problems, the city's entire liquor license code will get a review instead of just targeting new shops in the intended renovation area. Leaders will look at how many places sell it and what the quality of life is like in those areas.
"Basically, everything that governs alcohol sales in the city just to see if there's something we need to do differently."
Construction on the new development is expected to start soon. As it stands now, stores scheduled to go there will be allowed to sell alcohol as long as a liquor license is issued.
