Prospective buyer outlines renovations and investment plans for Key City Liquor; committee agrees to forward transfer

Ranjit Singh, who identified himself as the owner of Bradley Liquor in Bradley, told the Kankakee City License and Franchise Committee he intends to purchase Key City Liquor and invest in renovating the store.

"I've been running . . . for almost 20 years now," Singh said, describing prior experience and saying he employs local residents. He told the committee he planned interior upgrades, new coolers and exterior improvements and that he would work to keep the lot clean and prevent loitering.

Members asked about the store's location and context downtown. Committee members said nearby projects — including an incubator and new housing units — could change customer demand. One member said the Key City sign has historic value and noted Singh expressed an interest in preserving and lighting it.

Because the transfer was added to the agenda as a discussion item only, the committee did not vote on the license change. Chair Alderman Johnson asked whether the committee would forward the matter to the mayor and city council; members indicated agreement. "We can't take action tonight as the committee," the chair said, but staff said they would follow up with the mayor's office and that a city staff member named David would contact Singh.

Singh estimated his work on the building and business would total about $1 million. He asked the committee for flexibility as he coordinates renovations and licensing requirements.

The committee did not take final action; it agreed by consensus to forward the proposed purchase and license transfer to the mayor and full council for formal review and any required approvals.