Zoning Board Meeting Re: Beer Distributor on Northampton

Contrary to Ed Sieger's article below in the Express Times, I counted 19 people in attendance from the West Ward Monday night at the Zoning Board meeting regarding the Special Exception Request of Steven Koorie to be able to open a wholesale beer distributor at 1125 Northampton. From the comments made by certain board members, it sounded like they would grant the special exception request, because it is not in the Zoning Board's purview to bar the request on the basis of alcohol in proximity to churches and schools, in fact the board must remain "alcohol-neutral" in such cases.

Express Times Article on the Zoning Board Meeting

So, we learn something new each time, and the growth in attendance and the number of people speaking each time builds the political voice of the West Ward--in this, there is always victory. Although Kourie's lawyer was unnecessarily rude to those speaking, I did get the distinct sense that certain members of the board took us seriously as an organized and concerned group of residents and a few even seemed to wish they could do something to help us. Their hands may have been tied, but the next step is to attend the Liquor Control Board hearing on this issue, and speak up again. When I find out when it is, I will post the location and time. This apparently, IS the body that will be able say yeah or nay on the issue of alcohol in proximity to churches and schools, so the reaction will likely be a little different.

Just for the record, everyone from the community who spoke was opposed to the special request, and of those people, some were disturbed about the beer, while others (like myself) love beer, but just want to see more balanced thoughtful planning involved in deciding what businesses open on Northampton when we're trying to revitalize. Above all, I think, what everyone who spoke up had in common, was frustration sense of entitlement of one citizen to open a business where the majority of residents in a neighborhood don't want it to open. Micki presented four letters from pastors of churches and the Salvation Army, a new petition with 58 signatures, a copy of the old petition with 171 signatures, and a copy of the liquor code stating that wholesale alcohol distributors cannot open shop within 300 feet of a school or church.

Stay tuned!