PUBLIC HEARING INTERMUNICIPAL LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER REQUEST Allentown City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 6:15 PM in Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to take public testimony on the request for the transfer of Liquor License Number E-1343 from Feasta Italiana LLC, 2400 Schoenersville Road, Allentown, PA 18109 to Top - Star Express, Inc., 2050 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104. The license would allow beer and wine sales. There will be a resolution on the council meeting that follows the public hearing that will allow City Council to approve or disapprove the transfer. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 610.437.7556 or email at: michael.hanlon@allentownpa.gov if you have any questions. Intermunicipal Transfer of Liquor License The President of Council calls the Public Hearing to order. The purpose of this is to take public comment, initial remarks are/should be brief. 1. Roll Call is taken. 2. The President of Council explains the purpose of the Public Hearing: The purpose of the Public Hearing is to take public testimony on the request for the transfer of Liquor License Number E-1343 from Feasta Italiana LLC, 2400 Schoenersville Road, Allentown, PA 18109 to Top - Star Express, Inc., 2050 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104. The license would allow beer and wine sales. There will be a resolution on the council meeting that follows the public hearing that will allow City Council to approve or disapprove the transfer. The Public Hearing was advertised in the Morning Call on August 4th and August 11. The property was posted by Zoning and notices were sent out. The proof of publication and pictures of the posting are part of the agenda and the Clerk's file. We are here to primarily to take public testimony. The Solicitor will provide a quick overview the transfer process, the petitioner will give a brief presentation; and afterwards take public comments and then consider council questions. 3. Ms. Rotz explains the process. 4. The Petitioner will give the presentation to Council. Ted Zeller will probably represent the petitioner. 5. Members of the public may give statements in support or opposition to the proposal. Council received two emails on the issue that are on posted on the agenda and will become part of the record. The Administration did not express any concerns with the transfer. 6. Members of City Council may make statements in support or opposition to the proposal and pose questions. 7. Adjourn and close the record. The City Administration did not report any concerns with the transfer. City Council received two emails opposing this that can be made part of the record. Regarding Top-Star Express Liquor License Transfer Dear Mr. Hanlon, When I see my candy dish, I want a piece of candy. When I'm on a diet, I hide my candy dish. Out of sight, out of mind. You've heard of triggers. In addiction, these can be tragedies. Most people don't HAVE to go into a liquor store however a gas station is a different necessity. Displaying alcohol in a gas station is definitely a trigger to someone fighting addiction. They pull in just thinking about getting gas until they see the alcohol, and then they pull out with the extra purchase, thinking, "Let's pop one open on the way home." I'm also concerned because Top Star gas station is located directly across the street from an elementary school. Out of curiosity, I Googled liquor stores close to my zip code. There are four stores within walking distance and 20 within a short drive. That's more than enough. If Top-Star gets the liquor license, I will look for a different gas station. On an additional note: Sadly, Roth's Flowers eventually turned into the current alcohol-serving restaurant located next door to Top-Star. On a walk one evening, shortly after the restaurant opened for business, my neighbor almost tripped over a passed-out young woman lying in the bushes along Saint Lucas St. She had come from the restaurant drunk. An ambulance took her away puking. Just trying to keep my neighborhood safe, Cathy Covino (resident 36 years) 732 N. Saint Lucas St. Allentown 18104 p.s. I am my mother's caregiver. She's 93 and lives with me so I can't make the meeting, thus the email. Thank you for your consideration. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I received a notice by mail of a public hearing concerning the transfer of a liquor license to Top-Star Express at 2050 Tilghman Street. THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA!! That gas station is right across the street from Muhlenberg Elementary School. The traffic on Tilghlman is already unsafe for our children, the crossing at 22nd and Tilghlman is hazardous as so many people run the light. There is a crossing guard at 21st and Tilghlman but they shouldn't have to deal with cars zipping in and out to get beer. So many people turn in and out of that gas station, keeping their cards running to buy cigarettes, now they will rush in to get beer and wine? Really? It makes no sense at all and is setting up a terrible precedent. Keep the liquor license with Feasta Italiana. There are plenty of places within easy driving distance to purchase beer and wine and there is a restaurant/brewery right next door. People can get beer and wine there. Or go to the Giant, or to a bardown the street, plenty of places. KEEP IT OUT OF THE SCHOOL ZONE!! Just look at the chaos outside the parking lot of the liquor store at 1918 W Allen Street. Luckily children don't have to pass it on their way to school BUT they have to go by the gas station. I tried to comment online and the signup never went to my email to verify. - Lucy C. Gans 2213 W Allen Street Website