They're baaack (And so are we)

Flashback to 2016: Circle K promised only to expand if they obtained a liquor license. Failing to do so, the project sat dormant for a few years. Then, with the help of our Alderman and LPNA leadership they shoved the expansion through City rezoning approvals anyway. Part of that push in 2018 was the promise that Circle K wasn't seeking a liquor license.

Meeting notice from Alderman Vaccaro on 06/08/2018

 

Covid delayed the expansion, but in Feb 2022, they began moving and (literally) shaking the neighborhood. As of this writing, they are still weeks maybe days from opening. However, their inside signage clearly identifies refrigerators labeled "WINE" and "The COOLER Beer & Wine."

Photo Credit: Don Bertelsmann, used with permission.

Except -- according to the Excise Division, they have yet to apply for a liquor license. Unless they plan to corner the market on non-alcoholic options, they are gearing up to petition for one.

Is that a bad thing? I think so. Plenty of neighbors directly affected think so. Other Wards think so. Take this Ward 21 ordinance putting a 5-year ban on new liquor licenses (Ordinance 71045), stating:

The existence of alcoholic beverage establishments appears to contribute directly to numerous peace, health, safety and general welfare problems including loitering, littering, drug trafficking, prostitution, public drunkenness, defacement and damaging of structures, pedestrian obstructions, as well as traffic circulation, parking and noise problems on public streets and neighborhood lots. The existence of such problems creates serious impacts on the health, safety and welfare of residents of single- and multiple-family within the district, including fear for the safety of children, elderly residents and of visitors to the district. The problems also contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood and concomitant devaluation of property and destruction of community values and quality of life.

So, we're back.
~Seth