Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners
May 10, 2000
A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners is held Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at seven thirty-nine o’clock p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Present – Chairman Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Clemente, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, and Wildenhain.
Absent – Councilor Carr.
Chairman Barry presides.
The reading of the records of April 19, 2000, is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.
A public hearing is held on the following application for license advertised for this time:
CLASS A
Ghanam Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Liquor City, 530 Broadway, (transfer from 459 Mineral Spring Avenue) LIC#10275.
Speaking in favor is R. Kevin Horan, Attorney, representing applicants.
Mr. Horan states that Mr. Anthony Mensah is the sole officer and stockholder. He has been forced to relocate his business and wants to remain in the city.
He states that the new location is in compliance with all zoning regulations. Mr. Horan adds that Mr. Mensah has proven himself as a business owner and he wishes to continue operating, and asks for the Council’s approval.
Upon questioning from Councilor Wildenhain, Mr. Mensah states that the hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m. and in the summer 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
He has one employee full time and some employees part time who are all TIPS Certified.
Councilor Wildenhain asks if KC’s Bar and Restaurant, next door, will pose any problems.
Mr. Mensah states that his previous location was next to a similar type business, and he had no problems and does not expect any problems now.
Councilor Wildenhain states that he visited the neighbors and heard many of their concerns. Some residents of Burns Manor, which is within the 200 foot radius, contacted him objecting to the transfer.
Councilor Wildenhain also states that eight of the landlords, who were notified, did not give notice to their tenants; therefore, he feels that people living in the area are not aware of the transfer.
Councilor Wildenhain states that on research with the Police Department, he was informed that there were no police problems with this applicant, that Mr. Mensah is reputable and ran a good business at his previous location.
He states that the neighbors concerns are with the overpopulation of liquor businesses in this small area.
Mr. Mensah responds and explains his background as a chemist and an ability to work with people. He has 12 years experience in this business.
Speaking in opposition is Tina Shepard, who works for Project Ujima, which is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and Caritas Inc.
Ms. Shepard states that they are two doors down from the proposed liquor store and feels that this business is in conflict with what Project Ujima is trying to do in the neighborhood. They service the youth and work with educating them in the dangers of substance abuse.
Ms. Shepard states that there are three liquor stores and one drug store that sell liquor within a one-mile radius.
She states that Project Ujima is the only agency providing for the youth in the pleasant view area, and asks the Council to deny this request.
The next speaker is Kathleen Church, 36 West Cole Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Mrs. Church states that she is not opposed to a liquor store, but she is opposed to the number of liquor establishments in this particular area.
She feels that there are to many liquor stores and introduces a petition signed by neighbors opposing the proposed liquor store, and asks the Council to deny this request.
The next speaker is Danielle Carty.
Ms. Carty states that she works for Project Ujima with Tina Shepard.
Ms. Carty submits a petition with seven hundred signatures opposing a liquor store at this location.
Ms. Carty states that she is concerned for the youth community because the center is next to the liquor store.
The next speaker is Mercedes Torres, of Cumberland.
Ms. Torres states that she previously lived in Pawtucket for thirty years. She has a daughter participating in the Ujima Program, and as a concerned parent she requests that the Council deny this application.
There are no other speakers.
The hearing is closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Hoyas, the following application for license in LAID ON THE TABLE on a unanimous voice vote:
CLASS A
Ghanam Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Liquor City, 530 Broadway, (transfer from 459 Mineral Spring Avenue) LIC#10275.
Upon motion made by Councilor Bray, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the meeting is adjourned at eight fifteen o’clock p.m.