Neighbors oppose proposed liquor store and convenience use at 2380 Sheriff Road; planning staff, commission split

A public hearing on Sept. 9 examined proposals to rezone 2380 Sheriff Road and to approve a special‑use permit to operate a liquor store and a convenience store in Council District 6.

The applicant, represented by attorney Gilbert Morales and property owner Babul Shaha, described a new mixed retail strip replacing a former Sonic and said the business group had already invested in redevelopment. Morales said the owner does not plan to sell distilled spirits in the new retail mix but acknowledged a 2025 alcohol‑beverage license had been issued for the address without a listed suite number, a fact that introduced confusion during the hearing.

Staff recommended approval of the rezoning to C‑2 (general commercial) but recommended denial of the special‑use permit; the Planning Commission recommended denial of both cases. Public commenters including Michael Venable said the neighborhood has too many convenience‑style retail uses and urged denial, citing concerns about overconcentration and future retail quality. Venable also criticized the timing and location of the applicant’s public‑participation meeting, saying the outreach session’s 10 a.m. location in Union City reduced resident access.

The applicant said construction is new for the 7,700‑square‑foot structure and that the planned tenant mix emphasizes retail and food‑mart goods rather than a gas station; applicant counsel argued the municipal code provision cited by staff (code section 302.15) refers to gas stations and does not automatically bar a convenience store where no pumps are planned.

Council members asked staff and the applicant to clarify property addresses, whether separate suites will receive separate business licenses, and how prior use of nearby parcels affects grandfathering. Council did not adopt a final vote on the special‑use permit the same evening; staff said the matter would return with clarifying documentation on ownership, licensing and addresses.

Speakers who testified included the applicant’s attorney, the property owner, council members and neighborhood residents; the planning and zoning record reflects split recommendations with staff and commission differing on the rezoning.