Resident objects to liquor license for 572 Saint James Ave., cites density and school proximity

Marguerite Foster Franklin, a Ward 4 resident, told the Springfield City Council during public comment she is “dismayed” that the city’s licensing commission voted to allow a liquor store at 572 Saint James Avenue.

Foster Franklin said the McKnight Council sent a letter opposing the business, that the Bay Neighborhood Council was not contacted, and that Ward 4 already has “more liquor stores in Ward 4 than any other ward in Springfield,” according to her remarks. She told the council she previously attended a 2023 licensing-commission meeting opposing a liquor outlet at the same address and understood the matter would be returned to the council; she said it has resurfaced as a licensed business.

She also raised safety and traffic concerns, saying the site sits “right there near the rotary, where trucks large trucks come through there as well as students passing by from Van Sickle, Renaissance School,” and noted “very limited parking in the back.” Foster Franklin cited nearby alcohol retailers on Army Street and Worthington Street and said a gas station across the street sells beer and wine, which she said she did not understand as a licensing distinction. She noted past citizen opposition to a liquor store near multiple schools on Catherine Street and said neighborhood residents remain unhappy.

Foster Franklin acknowledged that the city council does not control the licensing commission but said the council “should be aware how dissatisfied many citizens of Springfield, of this neighborhood, are feeling.” The transcript excerpt records these concerns in the public-comment period; it does not show a council response, referral, or a licensing-commission record in the excerpt.