Mhays wrote:Beer and wine was discussed a bit - it will be a small selection of finer beers and wines, beer only in 6-packs or 12-packs, and he promised that if there was a negative effect on the neighborhood, alcohol would go away.

M, I'm just curious--is his liquor license "grandfathered in" so he has one automatically (because the Osco sold liquor), or did he have to apply for one (and get the neighbors' approval)? (And is he getting the neighbors' approval because of the promise he's making?) Our neighborhood association faces liquor-license requests (and sidewalk-cafe requests, et. al.) frequently, and, unfortunately, promises like "I'll stop doing this if it turns out to be a problem" turn out to lead to future conflicts too often, with the neighborhood's definition of "problem" and the proprietor's definition of "problem" failing to match. Not that this guy's intentions are anything but good; the place sounds terrific.

IIRC, the old Osco didn't sell liquor.

riddlemay wrote: M, I'm just curious--is his liquor license "grandfathered in" so he has one automatically (because the Osco sold liquor), or did he have to apply for one (and get the neighbors' approval)? (And is he getting the neighbors' approval because of the promise he's making?) Our neighborhood association faces liquor-license requests (and sidewalk-cafe requests, et. al.) frequently, and, unfortunately, promises like "I'll stop doing this if it turns out to be a problem" turn out to lead to future conflicts too often, with the neighborhood's definition of "problem" and the proprietor's definition of "problem" failing to match. Not that this guy's intentions are anything but good; the place sounds terrific.

This was discussed quite a bit at the meeting, and once the Roundtable and Review post their articles, I'm sure they'll have more specifics on it - however, per the Aldermen: he does not currently have a license; my understanding is the license (which is for beer and wine only, it will not allow hard liquor) was offered by the City as an incentive (?) In Evanston, from what I understand, liquor licenses are offered at the pleasure of the Mayor (again, my own understanding; I could be wrong)

I've been working on the Hands Across Howard project, and I know from my neighbors across the street how problematic liquor licensing is in Chicago is - however, on our side of the fence, in theory it's a bit easier. It doesn't seem like he'll be serving the demographic neighbors were concerned about, though.

Here's the article in the Evanston Review.

Mhays wrote:

riddlemay wrote: M, I'm just curious--is his liquor license "grandfathered in" so he has one automatically (because the Osco sold liquor), or did he have to apply for one (and get the neighbors' approval)? (And is he getting the neighbors' approval because of the promise he's making?) Our neighborhood association faces liquor-license requests (and sidewalk-cafe requests, et. al.) frequently, and, unfortunately, promises like "I'll stop doing this if it turns out to be a problem" turn out to lead to future conflicts too often, with the neighborhood's definition of "problem" and the proprietor's definition of "problem" failing to match. Not that this guy's intentions are anything but good; the place sounds terrific.

This was discussed quite a bit at the meeting, and once the Roundtable and Review post their articles, I'm sure they'll have more specifics on it - however, per the Aldermen: he does not currently have a license; my understanding is the license (which is for beer and wine only, it will not allow hard liquor) was offered by the City as an incentive (?) In Evanston, from what I understand, liquor licenses are offered at the pleasure of the Mayor (again, my own understanding; I could be wrong)

This is probably neither here nor there, since the rules in Evanston are different, but just venting on the topic a bit...I am so tired of the old "if this turns out to be a problem, I'll stop doing it," mainly because (sadly) it works so well to dupe neighborhood associations into saying yes when they should say no. I wish my fellow neighbors would once in a while show a little more gumption than they do and say no when their gut tells them to. (And not to be so afraid of "losing" business or building development; "losing" might actually be winning.) The rule of thumb (IMO) should be: Does your gut tell you this might be a problem? Say no. Does your gut tell you it probably won't be? Say yes.

riddlemay wrote: I am so tired of the old "if this turns out to be a problem, I'll stop doing it," mainly because (sadly) it works so well to dupe neighborhood associations into saying yes when they should say no. I wish my fellow neighbors would once in a while show a little more gumption than they do and say no when their gut tells them to. (And not to be so afraid of "losing" business or building development; "losing" might actually be winning.) The rule of thumb (IMO) should be: Does your gut tell you this might be a problem? Say no. Does your gut tell you it probably won't be? Say yes.

As a long-time (or perhaps I ought to say full-time) neighborhood activist, I feel you, and agree 100%.

In this case, however, only two people out of the two hundred or so spoke against it - based on past bad experience with the Chicago Walgreens on the other side of Howard (which is nothing like this project) and on the proximity of the middle school. I think, provided the restrictions, the alcohol is not going to be a problem. A number of neighbors (many of whom had hoped for a Trader Joe's) have said they want the one-stop shopping fine beer and wines would allow. The restriction on the license should protect the community; I wonder if we should ask for a restriction for single bottles of beer: a complaint that struck me as legit. Knowing the other groceries this family runs, I don't think we're looking at a grocer who's really trying to be a liquor store.

A while back, neighbors were asked about a similar project on the Chicago side of Howard Street - but he wanted a full liquor license for his grocery store. Everybody spoke out against it, which put the kibosh the project immediately; (and it turned out later that the property he wanted wasn't on Howard, but IIRC on Rogers anyway) I believe this was also the case with the now-empty storefront at Howard near Bell.

Mhays wrote:...I don't think we're looking at a grocer who's really trying to be a liquor store.

All understood.

On the theory that this thread has broader application...Another thing that frosts my ass (and I bet you agree with me on this one, too) is the old "without this agreement/concession/accommodation from the neighborhood, I can't do business." Recently a new 7-11 owner in the neighborhood came to our association for our approval on his selling liquor until 4 AM. No one opposed his selling liquor; the only question was, should he be allowed to sell it till 4 AM. Some of us thought a 1 or 2 AM cutoff was entirely reasonable, on the theory that anybody buying liquor between 2 and 4 in the morning is somebody we didn't really feel needed to be walking our neighborhood. (There are other places they could go if they really needed it--why right near us?) But it was the old "you're going to make my business fail if you say no" gambit, and it worked. I can pretty much guarantee that no one in that room was, personally, a potential customer for liquor between 2 and 4 in the morning, so it was sympathy for him that was the operative factor. You know that if enough neighbors had stuck to their guns and said, "We think a 2 AM cutoff is reasonable," we'd all be saying now, "Well, gosh and glory be, he's still in business after all!"

Riddlemay, you obviously need to move to my side of Howard St!

From the Alderman's website: ...Farmers Best meeting - looks like a Christmas opening.

Sigh.

So what are all the semi trailers doing in the parking lot?

Apparently (according to neighbors) creating a mess, which the Alderman put a stop to...

Well, it's now late November - any update on this place? I go by it nearly every day, and it looks so sad and forlorn; at this late date, an entry into the Evanston market before Xmas looks iffy at best. I have the uneasy feeling that the sharp downturn in the economy may have not just delayed the opening, but perhaps has doomed this place for good, so please advise if this is not the case.

Thanks.

Sorry, should have been updating. Here's a recent report from the Alderman, from the her Message Board:

Here is the latest, we have been meeting with Nick Merikas and his new partners. The original concept is still happening - there is still the 11 -12 year lease (can't look it up right now). They plan the same fresh grocery concept, and they will be applying for wine & beer. The new group has requested a zoning analysis because they want to enlarge the store on the Asbury side, into the drive thru lane adding about 4000 sq feet. They tell us the new opening date is around Easter. We agonize about discussing this but so many people are asking.

All the new required financials have been submitted, as I have said, it is worth the wait. Ald Hansen and I will keep you updated.

Apparently there are some issues with loans and taxes now. Article here. Anybody familiar with the Central Market concept referenced? I hope they aren't trying for an upscale sort of a thing, we've already got two Whole Paychecks and a Trader Joe's coming...

Where is Trader Joe's opening in Evanston?

Trader Joe's plan in Evanston

Hi- When is Evanston's Pride on Oakton and Asbury in Evanston opening up? They have had opening soon signs posted for over a year. Now the sign says that they are opening up this fall. Thanks, Nancy

My understanding is that the signs are from last fall, and the project is currently stalled.

Drove by an hour ago, and all signs about "coming soon" are down. Looks like the deal may have completely collapsed. Too bad because I drive by there on my way home from work and would love to have a convenient place to stop and grab some quick groceries.

The Trader Joe's deal for a store at Maple and Emerson has apparently fallen through as well.

Specifics on the latest information.

I saw some activity in the lot and within the building last night. I couldn't tell if they were hauling things away or bringing things into the space. Any new details?