Neighbors oppose proposed liquor store; applicant seeks rezoning at Westchester property
Loading...
Summary
Residents near a property on Pinkney Road told Chester County Council they oppose a planned liquor store and cited traffic and safety concerns; the applicant separately received first reading approval to rezone 0.75 acres to allow the new use.
Multiple residents addressed the council about plans to convert an older storage building on property off Pinkney Road in the Westchester area into a liquor store, raising concerns about traffic, proximity to churches and safety.
Mike Hassells, a part owner of the larger parcel, described family ties to the land and said a now‑vacant storage building dating to the 1970s sits about 100 feet from his property. He told council that heavy truck traffic from U.S. 77/Highway 9 and a nearby four‑lane bridge creates a hazardous approach and that the neighborhood already has churches, a recreation area and a fire/EMS presence.
Susan Castles, who owns acreage adjoining the parcel, said the shared driveway and the area's high speeds — often 55 mph with frequent passing — make the site unsuited for a liquor store and expressed concern for children and emergency response resources.
Applicant Abhishek (Abi) Devgon spoke at the meeting and said he has followed state and local licensing procedures, obtained a retail/beer‑liquor license and undergone a public safety inspection by SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division). Devgon told council he had invested personal funds in building renovations after inspection requirements were raised and asked council to approve the rezoning application.
Planning staff explained the complicating zoning status: the parcel containing the existing Grant’s grocery operates as a continuous nonconforming use under current R‑2 zoning. The storage building sits on the same larger parcel; the applicant requested rezoning of a subdivided 0.75‑acre portion to General Commercial (GC) so the storage building could operate as a separate parcel and house a liquor store. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval (planning commission vote reported 3–1).
Council moved to give first reading to CCMA 25‑16 (rezoning 0.75 acres at 3283 Pinkney Road from R‑2 to GC). The first reading passed by voice vote; at the meeting a subsequent tally indicated the planning‑level votes and discussion would continue with later readings.
Council members did not take a final vote to approve a liquor license at the meeting; licensing and inspections remain administrative processes handled by applicable state and county agencies.
