Following are minutes from the Soo Liquors Community Meeting on Jan. 13 before the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection; written by Beat 2431 co-facilitator Jayne Hoffman.
Soo Liquors Hearing
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 11:00 – 11:35 am
Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
City Hall, Room 805
Hearing Officer: Shawn Burnett Whittaker
Attendees: Attorney for Soo Liquors, Rene Camargo (DevCorp North), Jay (Soo Liquors), Officer Norma Guerrero (CPD), Jayne Hoffman (CAPS 2431), Alicia Lopez (49th Ward), John (Rogers Park citizen)
Comments from the Community: Jayne Hoffman began the session stating that loitering and gang activity overall are down along the 1400 block of Morse Avenue, but pointed out that winter weather must be considered a factor in the decrease of activities.
Hoffman commended Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse, on two points:
- The recent decrease in criminal activity was also due to Soo Liquors’ participation in safety actions, such as calling 911 and implementation of cameras and lighting at the store.
- Jay attended the CAPS 2431 Beat meeting on January 12, 2009 with the owner of Morse L Liquors, which shows participation in CAPS program by the two retailers. Hoffman emphasized that Soo Liquors must maintain diligence in its efforts to help keep loitering and gang activities away from the store when the weather warms in order to help the community continue increasing safety, and later added that she would like to see Soo Liquors’ management expand its relations with other businesses and community constituents.
Rene Camargo stated that he would help Soo Liquors implement improvements inside and outside the store if they were willing. Camargo also suggested that Soo Liquors consider increasing the quality of wine and liquors to meet the needs of the changing clientele coming into the neighborhood due to an advent of new restaurants and entertainment establishments. A citizen suggested that Soo may want to collaborate with Los Portales restaurant who may offer a “bring your own” policy.
Officials from Alderman Moore’s office, Chicago Police Department and one Rogers Park citizen all noted that the 1400 block of Morse Avenue is much quieter and easier to get around. Officer Guerrero stated that emergency calls were down in November and December demonstrating substantial improvements in that area. Guerrero pointed out that some 911 calls were made from Soo Liquors, which demonstrates that the retailer is actively participating in safety measures.
Response: Soo Liquors’ attorney responded that Soo Liquors would sustain the level of diligence to continue with community safety efforts. Counsel asked the BACP for an extension of the next hearing into the summer because of the good results found here today.
Wrap Up: Officer Whittaker responded positively about the progress in thwarting criminal activity, and said the winter weather is a significant factor. Whittaker directed Soo Liquors that as the weather warms continued diligence on their part is warranted and that Soo Liquors should seriously consider suggestions about upgrades and collaborating with other businesses. Whittaker moved the next hearing from April to May in response to the request by Soo Liquors’ Counsel, and scheduled it for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
