City Unlikely To Loan Money To Liquor Stores Damaged In Riots
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Should the city give money to rebuild liquor stores damaged by the riots in neighborhoods where the city has targeted them for closure?
Mike Schuh has the answer.
During his 40 years in Park Heights, Oscar Cobb has battled liquor stores. In just one block near Pimlico, there are five stores.
The health commissioner says this area has the highest concentration in the state.
"In fact, we have twice the number of liquor stores than other cities our size does," said Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.
And according to the city--and Cobb-each one attracts a crowd.
"But what we having is guys going in and getting a pint, getting a fifth, standing out on the corner, around the corner, in the back, drinking it, getting high, starting trouble," Cobb said.
So when Baltimore burned, over 350 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Forty of them were liquor stores--24 were in residential neighborhoods--places where, in the 1970s, the city changed its zoning to prohibit any more from opening.
But now, when the city is handing out loans to rebuild, should those 24 liquor stores get any city help?
"I do not believe it is appropriate for the city to provide money for these non-conforming liquor stores to rebuild as liquor stores in these locations," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The mayor says if the stores quit selling alcohol and convert to sell something else, they can get help.
The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Korean Grocers and Beverage Association says the criticism is unfair and you can't blame liquor stores for the city's crime, grime and other ills.
"This is not about taking away a business," Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. "This is about taking back our communities."
The city couldn't say how much money is available in grants and loans to help businesses rebuild.