Lorain/Elyria, OH
City wants state liquor board to hear resident complaints Gas USA permit
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A unanimous vote calling for a public hearing came out of Monday’s Community Development Committee meeting, where supporters of both the business and the neighborhood squared off over the fate of liquor sales at the south side gas station.
In the end, committee members elected to proceed in a way that gives both residents and owners an opportunity to address the issue, said Councilman Tom Callahan, D-at large.
‘We can’t judge this new owner on what past owners have done, but we also have to be cautious of what residents are telling us,’ Callahan said.
The committee recommendation must still pass a vote of full City Council before a public hearing can be held.
Once a hearing is requested, Matt Mullins, spokesman for the Division of Liquor Control, said the state will decide when to have it, typically within two months. A liquor control staff attorney will preside over the hearing, swearing in witnesses and collecting evidence.
El Ham Harb, managing partner of Liberty Gas
Gas USA, which has gone through a number of owners in recent years, has tried several times to obtain a liquor permit and each time the Division of Liquor Control denies the requests after hearing complaints from residents that it is a haven for criminals. Gas
It is those same concerns that brought residents to Monday’s meeting.
However, not all were in favor of having such a hearing. Former 5th Ward Councilman Herman Larkins, who has been an outspoken and consistent supporter of the business, spoke against having the hearing, arguing that Gas USA’s new owners have a right to do what every other business in
“I took a survey of all the service stations in
Gas
Her death set off a wave of renewed criticism on how the business is operated with local activist calls for it to be shuttered and deemed a nuisance.
Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.
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Former 5th Ward Councilman Herman Larkins
Now that he is not on council, he wants to stand up against the citizens and fight for the business that brings MORE CRIME to his neighborhood.
Since they can’t sell alcohol, maybe they need to install a brass pole to be able to compete with Bugsy’s.
Today’s special - free lapdance with a fill-up!
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As an area homeowner, I SAY NO! NO to a liquor license, and NO TO GAS USA, PERIOD! Shut the place down!
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MyLyria…. why close down GasTown, this would allow you to go for gas and booze in someone elses neighborhood? Why not work/talk with the new owners and not sell the cheap watered booze.
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Herman Larkins has always been for business before the residents. I couldn’t be happier he’s off council!
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“I took a survey of all the service stations in Elyria and found that all but Gas USA advertises three things: Gas, tobacco products and beer and wine,†Larkins said. “Without the license, there is no way Gas USA can successfully compete against these other businesses. I spoke as an appeal to the fairness and integrity of council members because recommending a hearing would all but guarantee the denial of the permit.â€
I wonder if he took a survey of the amount of crime and the times the police were called to the other stations.
when crack-usa can bring there crime statistics in line with the other gas stations , then maybe they could get a beer/wine permit, but i would not allow them to have a permit till they do bring themselves in line with the police activity of other places that sell beer and wine !
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If you lived in the area you would know that this has been a magnet for criminal acts. If you know there is a risk for fire, why add gas? The residents of this area need to stand up, (like they are) and say no. This area has the potential to improve their neighborhood and be a great older neighborhood that people are proud of when they drive down Middle Avenue to the new high school. The reisdents of this area, should be allowed to have a safe neighborhood and not one where they have to be afraid that the thugs are back in town.
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“MyLyria…. why close down GasTown, this would allow you to go for gas and booze in someone elses neighborhood? ”
Pauls Beverage closes at what 9-10pm? Stock up before then and take their asses home to drink. Crack USA is a blemish. Soon the new high school will be complete. Do we want that cesspool selling alcohol and have the drugs and crime right across the street from our million dollar school? NO!
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Don’t tell me it down to…”who’s gonna protect the Children?”….
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