Committee votes to hold hearing on liquor license

Elyria City Council community development committee voted in favor of holding a hearing for the request of a new liquor license submitted by 7 Star LLC, for 824 Middle Ave. where Gas USA was formerly located.

Council members don’t know what plans are for the building or if the owners are the same.

However, it’s known the business involves liquor in some way.

Ward 6 Councilwoman Donna Mitchell said more information is needed about what the establishment is and who the owners are due to issues at the former Gas USA location.

“We can’t not approve them based on someone that used to be there; I get that,” Mitchell said. “But because of what used to be there, the history of that location and because of the residents not wanting that in Mr. (Ward 5 Councilman Marcus) Madison’s ward, it seems to me that we need more information to make an informed decision.”

A hearing does not guarantee more information will come out about the owners or business, said law director Amanda Deery.

It’s up to Council to make a case for why the liquor license shouldn’t be granted, Deery said.

Madison said he will work with members of the community to get information on the location and people requesting the liquor license.

“I can just speak from some of the residents from what I’m hearing is that they don’t want liquor or alcohol sales to go back to that location, especially as we’re looking to develop that corridor on Middle Avenue,” he said.

LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL An abandoned gasoline station at 824Middle Ave. according to the community development committee of Elyria, once was a nuisance for the city.