In a message dated 2/23/2007 6:56:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
You say that their other concerns are somewhat legitimate, but their position against alcohol in general should not be considered at all. Why is this particular concern suddenly illegitimate? As usual, we're drifting off what I think is the real issue. Not the sale of liquor across from a mosque, per se. Not, as was the case with the Firehouse, a tavern-like operation across from a tee-totaling Baptist Church. Not simply the question of an abortion clinic or a house owned by a gay couple across the street from St Francis (which are rather different situations in that one is a public accommodation and the other a matter of people's private lives). IMHO, the real issue has to do with sensitivity to the cultural mores of people in the community, given that we bust our collective buttons with pride about how diverse we are. And a second factor that seems to be important is the question of whether some alternate location might be somewhat better, just as good, or almost as good where issues of this type wouldn't arise. Everyone agrees that the present state store location at 41st & Market leaves much to be desired in many dimensions. But, surely there are places that can be developed for a Wine & Spirits Shoppe more suitable than the 4200 block of Walnut -- which would not only be less contentious but would have a positive influence on the evolution of the immediate vicinity and still convenient for the target clientele. How about the old Linton's (or was it Horn & Hardart?) building near 40th & Chestnut -- I understand that when a certain initiative goes kablooie, the outfit that's now using the space will fold up and the space will become available. There's a parking lot in the back and a police substation adjacent -- both of which are strong points. Always at your service and ready for a dialog ® brand resident and housing provider, Al Krigman <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.
