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Residents oppose alcohol sales at Highland Deli Market near Scholars Academy; council takes public comment
Summary
Highland Deli Market sought authorization to sell beer at its Highland Avenue convenience-store location on May 14; dozens of nearby residents testified in opposition citing loitering, trash and the store’s proximity to school facilities.
Highland Deli Market (operator: Highland Deli/De Jesus & Gonzales) requested city approval on May 14 for a transfer or authorization permitting beer sales at its Highland Avenue location. The hearing drew multiple residents from adjacent neighborhoods who testified in opposition, citing loitering, litter, proximity to Scholars Academy and other schools, and limited parking.
The city’s planning and zoning director explained that the property sits in an R-3 medium-density residential district and is an existing nonconforming commercial use. The planner noted that convenience-store uses that include beer sales may require a restaurant license and seating, and that any changes could raise zoning questions because restaurants are not permitted in that zoning district without applicable relief.
Business representatives said they have operated the deli for about three years, offer prepared foods and hot meals, and are seeking to respond to customer demand for beer. They told council they clean the storefront and that they intend to add refrigeration and make interior adjustments if the license is approved. The owner/manager said they plan to continue employing staff and to add equipment needed to hold and sell beer.
Residents described persistent problems at the site and in surrounding blocks: trash and cardboard piled near the building and alley, loitering and gatherings of adults in front of the store, and entrances used by students from nearby schools. Several speakers noted that children from the nearby middle/school attendance zone regularly use the store before and after school and said adding alcohol sales would increase risks. Others called for improved policing, more frequent trash pickup or a larger dumpster and said the city must enforce existing codes.
Council received written petitions and neighborhood signatures offered by the applicant but heard widespread resident opposition. The council kept the hearing record open for required exhibits (parcel map, deed, proof of notice/publication) and for the transcript from the court reporter; no council decision was made at the meeting. Council also requested the planning department and solicitor examine the zoning/nonconformity issues and advise on next steps.
