Council against liquor renewal

Late night parties raise safety concerns at Warren food mart

WARREN -- Citing concerns from residents that include loud late night gatherings and several shooting incidents, Warren city council members gave emergency passage to objecting to the renewal of a liquor permit for the Convenient Food Mart, 1409 Elm Road.

Second Ward Councilman Andrew Herman, who said the business is located in his ward near Larchmont Avenue and Elm Road, said at Wednesday's meeting he has been receiving many complaints from 2nd and 3rd wards residents who live in residential neighborhoods near the business of loud noise, many parties in the parking lot late at night as well as gunshots.

"Neighbors in the area have told me their houses have been hit by stray bullets. The convenient mart has also been hit by bullets," Herman said.

He said he has spoken to owners and managers to see if they can get the situation under control and have people leave the parking lot in a timely manner, and not stay until 3 to 4 a.m.

"I have told them we have to get this situation under control. There is no other option since this has become a safety hazard." Herman said.

He said he knows the business has been in Warren for 30 years and may have to be shut down because of the continued problems.

"It is unfortunate. I do not want to see this happen,'' Herman said.

City officials said if something is done to address the problems before the state liquor board decides on the license in October the business may keep its doors open.

Mayor Doug Franklin said the location has become "a problem site."

"I want to make it real clear that what has been happening there is unacceptable by our standards,'' Franklin said.

Herman said he hopes the business will come into compliance with the liquor board before the hearing on the liquor permit renewal.

"I have spoken to them as a friend asking them to get control over the situation for months. This is with a heavy heart because I do not want to see any business closed but this has become a safety problem in my ward. I hope they can come to some agreement and this is reconciled so they can stay open,'' Herman said.

The food mart has a Class D5 liquor permit allowing for alcohol to be served to 2:30 a.m. but Herman said the parties in the parking lot last longer.

"People have told me there are people boozing and partying in the wee hours of the morning which is not acceptable. The owners have not been able to get this under control. This is a safety hazard and we do not want to see anyone get hurt. They do not need to allow the parking lot to be used for parties," Herman said.

He even suggested to the owners that the business have a drive-thru only at night to help alleviate any problems or to shut down early on Fridays and Saturdays.

A message left with a store employee Wednesday evening seeking comment was not immediately returned.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

In other business, council approved entering into class action lawsuits regarding generic medication and insulin and other diabetic medication price gouging litigation.

Law Director Enzo Cantalemessa said there would be no cost to the city to be part of the litigation to "correct the wrongs."

Officials said there are concerns when people needing medication for diabetes and other health issues are facing price gouging.

"This is reprehensible to be praying on the most vulnerable with generic drugs and insulin for diabetes

Council also gave passage to have Michael Keys, director of community development, transfer a city-owned parcel of property off Jefferson Street that is no longer needed by the city to the Trumbull County Land Bank.

Sixth Ward Councilwoman Honeya Price said that resident Markisha Parker has expressed interest in using the property off Jefferson Street for a sensory garden for children.

Keys said the city is only transferring the property to the land bank since the city cannot donate the property. He said the land bank will address the sale of the parcel.