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Council denies conditional use for package liquor store at 844 Martin Luther King Drive
Summary
The Auburn City Council voted down a request for conditional use approval to allow a 5,110‑square‑foot package liquor store within the existing footprint of the Corner Market at 844 Martin Luther King Drive following public opposition from local church leaders.
The Auburn City Council rejected a request from RNC Enterprises LLC to allow a package liquor store within the existing corner market at 844 Martin Luther King Drive.
A public hearing drew opposition from community members including the Rev. Steven Falk, pastor of Auburn A Design Church on Martin Luther King Drive, who urged the council not to permit another liquor outlet near his congregation. Falk said the parcel would become the third liquor store in close proximity to his church and asked the council to deny the conditional use.
Council considered that the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended denial (with one recusal) at its Aug. 14 meeting. After public comment and brief council discussion, the motion to approve the conditional use failed when members voted and the chair announced, "All in favor please say aye. All opposed please say nay. Motion fails." The council did not adopt the conditional use.
Staff clarified that the request was aimed at distilled spirits (a package liquor store) and that beer and wine sales, which the corner market could already have under separate licensing, are treated differently in the municipal process.
The denial keeps the Corner Market in its existing status without an additional package liquor license tied to the conditional‑use approval. Any future application would require a new public hearing and council consideration.
