By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer, Elmore/Autauga News
The Prattville City Council Chamber was packed Tuesday night with citizens ready to speak out against a controversial resolution that would put a liquor store in the City’s historic district. It turned out that they didn’t have to, as there was an incorrect address listed on the original application, so it was voted down. But it is could come up again.
A.J. Patel withdrew his application to open a liquor and tobacco store in the city’s downtown historic district. Citizens rallied at the last City Council to keep the proposed package store from opening at 402-A Washington Street in the Daniel Pratt Historic District.
Because of the incorrect address listed on the application, Prattville City Attorney David McDowell recommended that the council vote no on the application even though the issue was withdrawn. Patel was told that he can reapply with the corrected address and start the process from the beginning.
If passed the resolution would have given the green light for Patel to open Jack’s Liquor and Tobacco Outlet across the street from the City Library, the Splash Pad and a city park. The liquor store would be located next door to the Texaco gas station and have entrances from the front of the store on First Street as well as inside the gas station.
Local residents voiced their opposition to the plan at the last Council meeting and a few spoke out Tuesday night even after Patel withdrew his application.
City Council President Albert Striplin asked those attending the meeting to address the Council on items that were relevant to the night’s agenda. Since the package store resolution had been withdrawn, it would not be included on the agenda.
Clifton Rich said that it is still important for citizens to speak out. “What we are saying is relevant,” he said. “Y’all are responsible for making decisions for us. The last thing I ever want to see in this area is someone outside a package store holding a beer.” Rich said he lives in the area and has children.
Thea Langley is the owner of Fountain City Counseling. Tuesday night she said a package store would stand out in an area that the city created, funded, and promoted. She said the public’s safety is also an issue.
“You have created an environment for safety,” Langley told the Council. “This would definitely impair public safety and the well-being of our city’s residents. It would be a tragedy.”
City resident Dave Burns applauded the Council for the way it handled the last meeting when more than a dozen people came to speak against the resolution.
“The way that you handled the business of the city was excellent,” he said. “You were patient with everyone who came before you. “
In another issue, Mayor Bill Gillespie presented a plaque to the 2019 Fire Fighter of the Year, Battalion Chief Josh Brown. The winner is selected internally by the employees of the fire department.
Mayor Gillespie said Brown is deserving of the prestigious designation. “I know this young man and have seen him move up through the ranks,” Gillespie said. “Whenever your peers recognize you, it speaks volumes.”
