EDMONTON – A group of concerned citizens has won its battle against a proposed liquor store in the Norwood neighbourhood.
After a lengthy meeting Thursday, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) refused the liquor store’s application to open kitty-corner to an area park.
“We are just glad it’s done and, of course, we’re just glad that we’re not going to have a liquor store here,” Alberta Avenue Community League president Karen Mykietka said following Thursday’s meeting.
Residents argued the liquor store would boost crime and hurt efforts to revitalize the community.
“Our neighbourhood is already adequately served by liquor stores,” Mykietka told the board.
“I can guarantee you a liquor store does not add to a distressed neighbourhood’s revitalization efforts.”
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The owners of Arden’s Food, at the corner of 95th Street and 114th Avenue, reapplied for permission to open a liquor store after being turned down last year.
A city development officer had again denied their request, saying the store is only 30 metres from nearby Norwood Square Park rather than the required 100-metre separation.
Off-street parking is also inadequate and the windows don’t allow sufficient surveillance from outside, the officer concluded.
The store argued in its appeal that the park is fenced on all four sides, is little used by neighbours and not at all in winter, and there’s sufficient street parking.
But at the hearing, a continuation of an appeal that started in March, opponents said the park is busy, particularly with children from an adjoining daycare centre.
“In 15 years that I have lived in the area … I have never once heard a resident say we need more liquor stores,” Mykietka said.
“But I have frequently heard complaints about public intoxication and drinking in parks.”
A few people showed up in support of the application Thursday, but the majority of those in attendance were against it, and after three and a half hours of deliberation, the board rejected the application.
“I’m happy with the decision,” said Wayne Struzynski, an area business owner. “It’s not a business that is conducive to that particular area.”
“We just hope that it really is done, that they don’t try to reapply. We hope they got the message,” added Mykietka.
With files from Global News.
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