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YouTubeDoes anyone know how this might affect the good neighbors at Black Creek, AWOL, Carabar & Yellow Brick? Also, anyone know if any other neighborhoods have voted to go dry in recent history?
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion
Proposed Near East Side booze ban
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As Jody is saying it looks like they are just trying to get back in control. It is aimed at carryouts selling 40's. I think it has the possibility to address some real problems in the area.
I hope this passes and can be used as a test to see if it would work in other precincts (areas in the West Side and Wienland Park* come to mind).
*wondering what the boundaries of its precinct would be for such a vote.
Posted 1 year ago # -
lizless
Columbus/Hocking Hills
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One positive thing about responsibly-run convenience stores is that they can add an element of safety to a neighborhood. Well-lit spaces, a safe place to go at all hours and eyes on the street can be a very good thing in a struggling area if the establishment is run by responsible business owners invested in the safety and vibrancy of rhe community. My concern is what the litmus test for responsible small business ownership will be?
As a campus resident in earshot of three problem convenience stores, I'm well aware of the problems they can cause. I'm just wondering if there are ways to rid the neighborhood of problem tenants via police/liquor control enforcement rather than an all out ban.
Posted 1 year ago # -
JimSweeney
E. Fton
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Good points about the positive aspects of carryouts LIz. I'd add that in many places they are simply the only option people have to meet basic needs. Many urban neighborhoods have no better grocery presence so when people need a simple item (roll of toilet paper, diapers, bread) they can plan a bus trip out of the neighborhood or get things there - albeit at an inflated price.
The Qwik Pik at Town and McDowell was a notorious drug hangout for years. It was also the only place that the residents of East Franklinton, especially in the CHMA projects, had to buy anything they needed.
Posted 1 year ago # -
berdawn
near that stretch of N. High Street in the Short North
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Good points, JimSweeney. Weinland Park is going through similar discussions; the idea that these stores serve the residents is often overlooked. The proprietors are extremely limited in what they can do to address criminal activities or even enforcing some laws (selling individual cigarettes, etc) without bringing retaliation.
Posted 1 year ago # -
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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Hmmm.... my main worry is that --if I read the map right-- my area is right outside the proposed dry region. Can't help but think that will just shift problems into our neighborhood.
Even so, I wish them luck in taking control of that area --it's definitely a mess right now.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Coy
Discovery District
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I liked this quote in response to the article someone put up on the Dispatch site:
"Any problems, Alarawahmeh said, occur on the street, not in his store or the parking lot." Mr. Alarawahmeh ... let me introduce you to the August 19, 2010 City/State Nuisance Abatement Group report on your business:
In addition to the Vice Squad warning you for selling drug paraphrenalia, counterfeit trademark items, and single cigarette and tobacco products ... the Health Department singles you out for health code violations in the store related to dirty coolers, leaking food preparation sinks, holes in the floor, open undated food items, and smoking in the store. The fire department cites blocked and locked doors and uninspected fire extinguishers. The Ohio Public Safety Department cites you for improper repackaging, splitting beers, and having open containers of alcohol in the premises. Code Enforcement cites you for pot holes in the parking lot and unlawful signage ...
I'm tired of picking up all the trash that your patrons dump on my lot. I'm tired of picking up the 40-ouncers that you sell to people you know are going right across the street to sit on a stoop, drink the beer, get drunk,**** on the wall, and drop the bottle in the grass. I'm tired of watching all the drug sales by your door.
Do you get the point? Your business is a blight in this community. Your business preys on the most vulnerable in this community -- drug addicts and alcoholics. You know that drug sales occur daily in your parking lot, right outside your door -- if not inside your walls as many say. You know you are selling Mad Dog, Night Train, Magnum, King Cobra and the like because its cheap, high potency, and designed to get people drunk.
This community has approached this store to be a responsible neighbor on multiple occasions, but like a parasite this store continues to suck blood from the neighborhood. You profit from this community's pain, and in doing so you are an anchor that we need to cast aside to move forward. Your store and its disparate negative impact on this community is a flagship for what is wrong with this neighborhood, and we are tired of it as we build a strong community.
This is a diverse, open, and welcoming neighborhood, but we do ask all stakeholders to exhibit responsible behavior and not sink to the lowest level. Most of us who support this liquor option, including the +/- 100 who signed to put it on the ballot, enjoy a beer or two. But we don't enjoy your business and its highly negative impact on our neighborhood.
Put something into your store so it doesn't continue to look like junk. Put something helpful, not harmful, into the store that builds the community instead of tearing it down.
I urge the votes of Ward 4, Precinct A, to vote "No" on Issues 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D. A "no" vote is another step on the path to improving our community.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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It seems like a short-sighted solution, one that doesn't provide a solution to the real issue - folks that are up to no good will still be up to no good, with or without a 40 in their hand.
So, they ban it and what... people have to walk an extra three blocks? They put some small business OUT of business?
I know the UDF on the corner of Sullivant and Hague, a potential trouble spot, hires security folks who get there around supper time - that place will not allow loitering of any sort, in or out of the store. The property is kept clean, and they blast classical music into the parking lot.
The issue of businesses that sell cheap 40's is a valid one - they carry them because they are money-makers, even with thin margins. I've been really frustrated with Kroger on W Broad for having a huge case of 40's, and the accompanying husslers in the parking lot, trying to squeeze cash out of folks.
There isn't an easy solution, but it seems that a neighborhood trying to turn around wouldn't want to automatically eliminate any potential decent restaurant/bar from choosing to locate there.
Posted 1 year ago # -
e8453b
Ganthers Place
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Coy wrote >>
I liked this quote in response to the article someone put up on the Dispatch site:
"Any problems, Alarawahmeh said, occur on the street, not in his store or the parking lot." Mr. Alarawahmeh ... let me introduce you to the August 19, 2010 City/State Nuisance Abatement Group report on your business:
In addition to the Vice Squad warning you for selling drug paraphrenalia, counterfeit trademark items, and single cigarette and tobacco products ... the Health Department singles you out for health code violations in the store related to dirty coolers, leaking food preparation sinks, holes in the floor, open undated food items, and smoking in the store. The fire department cites blocked and locked doors and uninspected fire extinguishers. The Ohio Public Safety Department cites you for improper repackaging, splitting beers, and having open containers of alcohol in the premises. Code Enforcement cites you for pot holes in the parking lot and unlawful signage ...
I'm tired of picking up all the trash that your patrons dump on my lot. I'm tired of picking up the 40-ouncers that you sell to people you know are going right across the street to sit on a stoop, drink the beer, get drunk,**** on the wall, and drop the bottle in the grass. I'm tired of watching all the drug sales by your door.
Do you get the point? Your business is a blight in this community. Your business preys on the most vulnerable in this community -- drug addicts and alcoholics. You know that drug sales occur daily in your parking lot, right outside your door -- if not inside your walls as many say. You know you are selling Mad Dog, Night Train, Magnum, King Cobra and the like because its cheap, high potency, and designed to get people drunk.
This community has approached this store to be a responsible neighbor on multiple occasions, but like a parasite this store continues to suck blood from the neighborhood. You profit from this community's pain, and in doing so you are an anchor that we need to cast aside to move forward. Your store and its disparate negative impact on this community is a flagship for what is wrong with this neighborhood, and we are tired of it as we build a strong community.
This is a diverse, open, and welcoming neighborhood, but we do ask all stakeholders to exhibit responsible behavior and not sink to the lowest level. Most of us who support this liquor option, including the +/- 100 who signed to put it on the ballot, enjoy a beer or two. But we don't enjoy your business and its highly negative impact on our neighborhood.
Put something into your store so it doesn't continue to look like junk. Put something helpful, not harmful, into the store that builds the community instead of tearing it down.
I urge the votes of Ward 4, Precinct A, to vote "No" on Issues 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D. A "no" vote is another step on the path to improving our community.Good Luck!!!
Posted 1 year ago # -
e8453b
Ganthers Place
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Twixlen wrote >>
It seems like a short-sighted solution, one that doesn't provide a solution to the real issue - folks that are up to no good will still be up to no good, with or without a 40 in their hand.
So, they ban it and what... people have to walk an extra three blocks? They put some small business OUT of business?
I know the UDF on the corner of Sullivant and Hague, a potential trouble spot, hires security folks who get there around supper time - that place will not allow loitering of any sort, in or out of the store. The property is kept clean, and they blast classical music into the parking lot.
The issue of businesses that sell cheap 40's is a valid one - they carry them because they are money-makers, even with thin margins. I've been really frustrated with Kroger on W Broad for having a huge case of 40's, and the accompanying husslers in the parking lot, trying to squeeze cash out of folks.
There isn't an easy solution, but it seems that a neighborhood trying to turn around wouldn't want to automatically eliminate any potential decent restaurant/bar from choosing to locate there.Twixen, The classical music approach is Great. We will need to try
that method in Ganthers Place. In Ganther's Place we did not go for a total ban, we target the troubled stores or bars and then work on revoking or denying new liquor licenses in our community.Posted 1 year ago # -
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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e8453b wrote >>
Twixlen wrote >>
It seems like a short-sighted solution, one that doesn't provide a solution to the real issue - folks that are up to no good will still be up to no good, with or without a 40 in their hand.
So, they ban it and what... people have to walk an extra three blocks? They put some small business OUT of business?
I know the UDF on the corner of Sullivant and Hague, a potential trouble spot, hires security folks who get there around supper time - that place will not allow loitering of any sort, in or out of the store. The property is kept clean, and they blast classical music into the parking lot.
The issue of businesses that sell cheap 40's is a valid one - they carry them because they are money-makers, even with thin margins. I've been really frustrated with Kroger on W Broad for having a huge case of 40's, and the accompanying husslers in the parking lot, trying to squeeze cash out of folks.
There isn't an easy solution, but it seems that a neighborhood trying to turn around wouldn't want to automatically eliminate any potential decent restaurant/bar from choosing to locate there.Twixen, The classical music approach is Great. We will need to try
that method in Ganthers Place. In Ganther's Place we did not go for a total ban, we target the troubled stores or bars and then work on revoking or denying new liquor licenses in our community.The classical music is an old school approach - and really cheap to execute. All UDF's (at least the ones I frequent) seem to use it with a lot of success. The bonus is I actually like classical music, and it makes pumping my gas an enjoyable experience.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RoundTowner
Miranova
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That is exactly what it will do and what it has done in the past.ChrisSunami wrote >>
Hmmm.... my main worry is that --if I read the map right-- my area is right outside the proposed dry region. Can't help but think that will just shift problems into our neighborhood.
Even so, I wish them luck in taking control of that area --it's definitely a mess right now.Posted 1 year ago # -
Snarf
Dystopia
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Let's take it a step further and examine the actual booze itself...has anyone seen that "Four Loko?"
Why does malt liquor, branded as an energy drink containing guarana, taurine, caffeine, etc as well as 12% alcohol need to exist at all? Obviously that is marketed to youth. Fuck that shit.
(I do like OE on occasion though.)
Posted 1 year ago # -
e8453b
Ganthers Place
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Twixlen wrote >>
e8453b wrote >>
Twixlen wrote >>
It seems like a short-sighted solution, one that doesn't provide a solution to the real issue - folks that are up to no good will still be up to no good, with or without a 40 in their hand.
So, they ban it and what... people have to walk an extra three blocks? They put some small business OUT of business?
I know the UDF on the corner of Sullivant and Hague, a potential trouble spot, hires security folks who get there around supper time - that place will not allow loitering of any sort, in or out of the store. The property is kept clean, and they blast classical music into the parking lot.
The issue of businesses that sell cheap 40's is a valid one - they carry them because they are money-makers, even with thin margins. I've been really frustrated with Kroger on W Broad for having a huge case of 40's, and the accompanying husslers in the parking lot, trying to squeeze cash out of folks.
There isn't an easy solution, but it seems that a neighborhood trying to turn around wouldn't want to automatically eliminate any potential decent restaurant/bar from choosing to locate there.Twixen, The classical music approach is Great. We will need to try
that method in Ganthers Place. In Ganther's Place we did not go for a total ban, we target the troubled stores or bars and then work on revoking or denying new liquor licenses in our community.The classical music is an old school approach - and really cheap to execute. All UDF's (at least the ones I frequent) seem to use it with a lot of success. The bonus is I actually like classical music, and it makes pumping my gas an enjoyable experience.
Thanks for the advice
Posted 1 year ago # -
ohiojimmie
Westgate
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Twixlen wrote >>
e8453b wrote >>
Twixlen wrote >>
It seems like a short-sighted solution, one that doesn't provide a solution to the real issue - folks that are up to no good will still be up to no good, with or without a 40 in their hand.
So, they ban it and what... people have to walk an extra three blocks? They put some small business OUT of business?
I know the UDF on the corner of Sullivant and Hague, a potential trouble spot, hires security folks who get there around supper time - that place will not allow loitering of any sort, in or out of the store. The property is kept clean, and they blast classical music into the parking lot.
The issue of businesses that sell cheap 40's is a valid one - they carry them because they are money-makers, even with thin margins. I've been really frustrated with Kroger on W Broad for having a huge case of 40's, and the accompanying husslers in the parking lot, trying to squeeze cash out of folks.
There isn't an easy solution, but it seems that a neighborhood trying to turn around wouldn't want to automatically eliminate any potential decent restaurant/bar from choosing to locate there.Twixen, The classical music approach is Great. We will need to try
that method in Ganthers Place. In Ganther's Place we did not go for a total ban, we target the troubled stores or bars and then work on revoking or denying new liquor licenses in our community.The classical music is an old school approach - and really cheap to execute. All UDF's (at least the ones I frequent) seem to use it with a lot of success. The bonus is I actually like classical music, and it makes pumping my gas an enjoyable experience.
I know of 3 on the West Side that use this tactic. My out of town friends could tell it worked to deter loitering before I did, and I live here!
Posted 1 year ago # -
roy
Downtown
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e8453b wrote: I liked this quote in response to the article someone put up on the Dispatch site: "Any problems, Alarawahmeh said, occur on the street, not in his store or the parking lot." Your business preys on the most vulnerable in this community -- drug addicts and alcoholics.
The Dispatch comment post was good, it's positive that someone called the store operator out on the bs. But I disagree that "drug addicts and alcoholics" are the most vulnerable or that somehow they are victims.
The most vulnerable individuals (besides the very young and the very old) are the responsible, law-abiding residents and business owners in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, diseased or not, addicts and alcoholics like those described are parasites on the community. Those profiting from addiction at the community's expense are even worse parasites.
Posted 1 year ago # -
BCNation
Franklin Park
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e8453b wrote >>
I hope the ban passes. We were successful in our Neighborhood in denying
a party store a liquor license. We have too many carryouts in urban
neighborhoods!!! The majority of them are a detriment to our neighborhoods.I also hope that the ban passes as well. It (the problems mentioned in the Dispatch article)'s become a huge cancer to the neighborhood and the community.
Posted 1 year ago #
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