Residents Split on Proposed Package Store
A proposed package store on Woodley Road in Montgomery has residents divided. Some say the store would be another business for the area, while others say another package store is not the kind of business that’s needed.
At the corner of Woodley Road and East South Boulevard in Montgomery sits a vacant building with lots of potential. One Montgomery man saw that potential…and has leased the building for five years with plans of turning it into a package store. But some residents say the area doesn’t need it, arguing that there is already a package store about a fourth of a mile away, next to the Mansion nightclub.
“There’s enough violence and chaos going on as it is and we do not need to add to it with alcohol,” says Shenae Flemming.
“Liquor is forbidden you know,” says Kjelallah Salaam. ” It’s wrong. It makes people act like idiots.”
A daycare is just a stone’s throw away from the would-be package store and some say that’s cause for concern.Â
“There should be no liquor,” says Valencia Moore. “There’s already, like my sister said, there’s enough violence and we don’t need to condone no liquor or nothing like that.”
But others say any business on this side of town should be welcomed.
“Yes it’s a job,” says Angela Porter. “People need jobs. It’s a business.”
Council District Representative Jon Dow says he’s heard both sides of the issue.
“We also want to mindful of what quality of business comes,” he says. “And a package store, alcohol store, nightclub are some of the things that neighborhood associations are not really excited about having.”
We spoke with the man who wants to open the package store by phone. He tells us he’s spoken with residents in an attempt to ease their concerns, telling us he would run the business in a safe manner. He also tells us he has spent a lot of money fixing up the vacant building and would like the community to give him a chance. Dow says he’s been in contact with him.
“We do applaud the entrepreneurship and wanting to start your own business, we’re still just concerned with the quality of the business.”
Residents continue to be split on this issue but city councilmen will have the final say.
This is scheduled to be discussed and voted on at next week’s city council meeting.Â
