Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Commission approves special‑use permit to reestablish Farrington Road liquor store with security and landscaping conditions
Loading...
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval of SLUP25‑000006 to reestablish a liquor store at a Farrington Road shopping center, imposing five staff‑recommended conditions including high‑resolution exterior cameras with 30‑day retention and no on‑site consumption.
The Stonecrest Planning Commission on Dec. 2 recommended approval of a special land‑use permit to reestablish a liquor store (Farrington Package) in an existing C‑1 shopping center on Farrington Road.
Staff said the subject property is 1.48 acres, contains two primary buildings with seven suites (two vacant), and historically housed a liquor store that closed in June 2025. Staff recommended approval with five conditions: paint and landscaping for the fence/dumpster area, removal of a monument sign at the northwestern boundary, installation of high‑resolution exterior security cameras covering entrances/exits and loading zones with a minimum 30‑day storage period accessible to law enforcement upon request, signage prohibiting on‑site consumption, and landscape screening of the parking area.
Attorney Hakeem Hilliard, representing Farrington Package, and proposed owner Abdulai Abdi said the use had operated on the site since 2003 without incident and that they accept the staff's recommended conditions; Abdi told commissioners he will provide security during all hours of operation. Nearby residents attending the hearing expressed mixed views: Faye Cofield and another speaker urged strong security measures and cautioned that change of ownership can alter a business’s behavior; one resident said the prior owner personally ensured the property ran safely.
Commissioners asked staff about nearby alcohol outlets and convenience stores; staff said there are two outlets about a mile away and a third under two miles, and that convenience stores selling only beer and wine are regulated differently. Commissioner Lamia Hawkins moved to recommend approval with the staff conditions; Commissioner Hubbard seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final approval. The conditions require security measures and landscaping intended to mitigate safety and neighborhood‑character concerns raised during the hearing.
