Citizens oppose liquor license transfer

Elyria citizens are making their voices heard in efforts to stop a business from transferring a liquor license to a new location.

The license transfer was proposed from Hanan Food & Gas at 824 Middle Ave. to QS Middle Ave. Market Inc. doing business as QS Market 1600 Middle Ave.

LeighAnn Arroyo spearheaded the petition movement. A resident since 2015, she said liquor sales in the area would be disastrous.

“It would’ve been too close to the youth centers, churches and the places where we see a lot of children,” Arroyo said.

She said citizens were concerned about the intersection in the area as well and wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to express their views.

“I advocate for those whose voices aren’t heard or not wanted to be heard,” Arroyo said.

Ward 5 Councilman Marcus Madison said he heard multiple concerns from citizens.

“One of the things I would say that the residents were opposing the liquor license was because of the location where the beer and wine would be sold,” he said. “It’s right in the middle of our neighborhood and in the heart of our community.”

With recent developments to the area such as the new library and new elementary school, Madison said citizens were concerned with the alcohol sales and public traffic.

“We have a lot of children and programs located on that particular corridor,” he said. “It would be located in proximity to the new South Branch Library and new Hamilton Elementary School.

“I support them and their advocacy and their efforts to not move forward with that location in the ward for beer and wine sales.”

Currently, there’s another pending liquor license request for 824 Middle Ave. Arroyo said she’s working with community members to start another petition.

Madison said he’s proud of the residents in his ward and in the city.

“I am so happy to see people collaborate and communicate for projects just like this,” he said. “Being on city council is one thing, but when you have the support and advocacy of residents coming together saying this is what they want, it really sends a message to the rest of the ward and outside the ward that we have passionate people who are concerned about the development of our neighborhood.”

According to Madison, the state has not made a decision.