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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-90 Residential Neighborhoods Cuunttttrr groom RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD'S COMMITTEE Ca tItee Common Commit of tip Q2ttg of Ow* lira: The July 9, 1990, meeting of the Residential Neighborhood's Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Loretta Duda, at 5:00 PM in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Coleman, Niezgodski, Voorde, Slavinskas, Luecke, Zakrzewski, and Duda; Jeff Corey, William Oppenheim, Paul G. Rohleder, Mr. Lukuik, Mr. David E. Fritz, Mr. Kevin K. Weinberg, Ruth Dennis, Mr. John M. Ortyl, Mr. Larry Oppenheim, Mr. Jim Rouhrelang, Lolita Anastasio, Sam Ammorl, Donald L. Buczynski, Tony Cogdale, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Duda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to hear concerns and information from the Lincoln Way West Business Association. Mr. Kevin K. Weinberg, President of the Lincoln Way West Business Association, stated that for approximately two (2) years there has been an ongoing problem with the Bullseye Liquor Store which has affected the areas between Scott and Cushing on Lincoln Way West. He noted that from May of 1989 through May of 1990, six hundred and twenty one (621) police calls have been made to the area. He stated that he had recently spoken with -Mr. John Oxian of the Near North West Neighborhood Association and was advised that he is conducting a survey with the preliminary results showing that the main problem in the area is the Bullseye Liquor Store. He stated that, as a member of the Lincoln Way West Business Association, that this one business establishment is having a negative impact on the surrounding businesses. Mr. Donald L. Buczynski of Louie's Tuxedo Shop which is located directly across from the Bullseye Liquor Store, stated that he has been in business at the location since 1968 and currently has forty-eight (48) employees. He voiced concern over the safety of his employees and customers in light of the activities taking place at Bullseye Liquor. He was introduced to the committee along with Mr. Oppenheim, owner of the Silver Tower, and Mr. Ortyl, owner of the Sunrise Cafe. Mr. Weinberg noted that many people do not wish to patronize the businesses in the area because of the perception that it is unsafe to do so. He stated that there is a perception of violence and that drugs are being sold throughout the day and night. He stated further that he sees minors buying liquor at the location and that police are in the area but Residential Neighborhood's Committee July 9, 1990 Page 2 that a large percentage of under-age purchasing is not being stopped by the police department. He further noted that the 700 block of Lincoln Way West is being labeled as the "New Block" which will be torn down in the near future. Pictures of bullet holes in neighboring business establishments were then circulated for the committee to see. He noted that the main three (3) arterials leading in and out of the City do not provide a positive image for the City of South Bend. He stated that Michigan Street is known for its pornography, that Lincoln Way West is known for the Bullseye Liquor Store along with the bloodbank, and "dirty book stores" are known on the other arterial. He then provided a copy of the letter sent by the Lincoln Way West Business Association to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission of St. Joseph County requesting a special hearing on Royal Package Liquor, DBA Bullseye Liquor Store (copy attached) . He voiced concern that Mr. Ken Fedder was the representative of Royal Package Liquor. Council Member Niezgodski noted that it was common knowledge that this area is turning into "the block. " He further noted that the police department is well aware of the situation and he, along with Council Member Puzzello, suggested pursuing a special hearing before the Alcoholic Beverage Board. He further suggested that the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee of the Council should work with the City Administration to request tighter security on the site. He noted that the last two (2) security guards were beaten up and have quit. Mr. Rouhrelang of Blume Pharmacy stated that many patrons visiting his establishment have had their purses stolen with customers knocked to the ground during such instances. He further noted that between fifteen to seventeen (15-17) teenagers congregate on private property and then intimidate an adult to buy liquor for them at the Bullseye Liquor Store. Mr. David Fritz of the Near Northwest Neighborhood stated that the establishment is having a very serious effect on the residential properties. He provided a VCR tape for the committee to view at a later time. Council Member John Voorde stated that the problem is very serious and is continuing to get out of hand. He noted that if the Alcoholic Beverage Board is not doing its job, that members should resign. Residential Neighborhood's Committee July 9, 1990 Page 3 Council Member Duda stated that she had toured the area with Paul Rohleder and saw the bullet holes pictured in the photographs passed to the committee. Mr. Rohleder then gave additional information with regard to the police reports. Mr. Jeff Corey of Lincoln Way Foods which is across the street from the Bullseye Liquor Store, stated that he has had numerous parking problems and cannot get into his business even at such hours as midnight. Mr. Oppenheim of the Silver Tower voiced similar concerns about patron safety. Council Member Zakrzewski supported the proposal to have a special meeting before the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and also suggested that the police department continue periodic drive-throughs of the area. Council Member Luecke, the District Councilman of the area, stated that he has been involved with this situation for a considerable period of time. He noted that the NEST Team has been very active in the area and that he has asked for additional fencing which to date has not happened. Council Member Coleman noted that he and Council Member Puzzello toured the area approximately three (3) weeks ago and saw many individuals congregating in the area. Council Member Coleman suggested that there should be restricted hours, restricted parking, and a minimum of two (2) security officers employed by the establishment. He further recommended that there be fencing utilized to screen the area from adjoining properties and to assist in public safety. He also suggested that the private owners across the street who have had parking problems in the past, post proper signage so that motor vehicles in violation would be ticketed and towed. He further suggested that if the criteria established not be abided by by the owner that the Alcoholic Beverage Board should then have proper hearing to revoke its license. He suggested perhaps a ninety (90) day period for all items to be in place. Council Members Niezgodski, Puzzello, Duda, and Slavinskas all voiced favorable support of the recommendations made by Council Member Coleman. Mr. Kevin Weinberg also thanked the committee for hearing their concerns. He hoped that a special meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Board could be called with the assistance of the Common Council. Residential Neighborhood's Committee July 9, 1990 Page 4 There being no further business to be heard by the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Loretta Duda Chairperson, Residential Neighborhood's Committee