SW Businesses?

The "Chili Market" on Chili/Westfield was closed today - does anyone know if that is a permanent issue?
Likewise, I noticed a new business on Thurston this evening - it's near Brooks but I don't remember the cross street. The large neon LIQUOR sign is what caught my attention. Do we really need more access to alcohol on Thurston?? For some reason, I thought there had to be special approval for the opening of establishments that serve/sell alcohol

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on October 30, 2012 at 8:29am

Don't know about the Chili Market, but the new liquor store at the corner of Enterprise is already well-patronized. So apparently some people need access to more alcohol... right across from the two bars, no less. And people are parking at the corner in the "no parking/standing" area, making a nearly impossible corner for left turns even worse. Vehicles have forever been in the no standing zone in front of the store on Thurston as people go to the post office. (I have on more than one occasion even seen postal vehicles stopped there!) This was the location of the last shooting on Thurston.

There was a zoning board of appeals notice (8 1/2 x 11) posted in the store window during reconstruction of the store interior. I noticed when walking by and was curious about what the store would become; I suppose it is better (?) than having it remain empty.

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on October 30, 2012 at 6:36pm

I imagine that the City thinks that any business is better than an empty storefront - it explains the 'come and go' Cricket stores we've endured here for years! That said, I got a better look at the liquor store when I drove by this evening - it seems that all of the 'merchandise' is BEHIND a glass (bullet proof?) wall!! I don't think i've ever seen such an arrangement - even BANKS don't have that type of set up anymore! Maybe the owner doesn't trust the patrons??

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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on October 30, 2012 at 6:39pm

D'ya think?

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Permalink Reply by Judi Baker on November 5, 2012 at 8:55pm

I for ONE refuse to patronize stores with these facades.............Usually visit Frank at Corn Hill Liquor for great conversations and GREAT NY wine choices. Genesee & Barton liquor store has the same facade. You don't trust me..............you don't trust my money!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on November 6, 2012 at 4:58pm

It is not a question of trusting you, it is a reality that if one wishes to remain in business at that corner you better be behind a bullet-proof screen if you deal in cash. With two shootings out front recently, and one in the past that resulted in a death, as well as the hostage situation and death next door at the former Security Trust bank ... what would you do? To open a liquor store there without taking precautions would be foolish, in my opinion.

I was in the store yesterday and had a conversation with the owner, who grew up in the 19th Ward, and is interested in being a part of the community. In fact, his mother suggested opening there since it had been a liquor store in the past. Yes, I was initially turned off by the thought of going into such an environment, but was pleasantly suprised. And there are many people in the neighborhood who do not drive, so this could be welcomed by some. While I do not feel we needed more access to alcohol on Thurston, let's all keep an open mind.

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on November 5, 2012 at 8:18am

The Chili mini mart was completely destroyed by fire this morning. As far as I know it has not been open for at least the past week. The attached photos show that the fire department emptied out a lot of the merchandise.