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Beer, wine proposal could be on November ballot
By BRIAN PORTER/Managing Editor
A group of Mesquite residents believe the solution to grocery stores leaving the city lies in a reversal of the city’s prohibition of beer and wine sales for off-site consumption.
The city of 136,000 residents does not allow the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption. Meanwhile, the neighboring cities of Balch Springs, Dallas and Garland have passed legislation which allows such business.
In many situations, a store could close and relocate less than a mile away and realize a benefit.
A second proposal would end the Unicard system in place, which is employed by restaurants as a means to sell alcohol in bars.
“A group of folks got together and the formation was folks who were concerned,” said Greg Noschese, co-chair of the committee with James Folks. “What we’re having is our stores seeing a significant revenue loss to surrounding stores.”
Beer and wine has never been sold in Mesquite. A proposal on beer and wine sales for off-site consumption has never been presented to voters, according to Mesquite Mayor Mike Anderson.
The committee believes alcohol sales could be the fix to save stores and bring others back to Mesquite.
“We are scared of the stores closing,” said Anderson, who is not a member of the committee. “We’re also scared of restaurants closing.”
Anderson admits he has been advised to steer away from the use of the word “scared” for the word “concerned,” but indicates scared may be more accurate.
He points to a situation in an area bordered by U.S. 80 and Interstate-30 and Interstate-635 and Belt Line Road.
“That is the No. 1 densest area in Mesquite,” Anderson said. “We used to have three grocery stores in that area. We now have one. I’m hearing there are two other stores in jeopardy of closing this summer. As a council, we are concerned.”
Because only a vote of the residents will allow beer and wine sales for off-site consumption, the city council is taking the stance to let their constituents decide.
“The city council absolutely has nothing to do with it,” Anderson said. “The committee is about people who choose to have this election take place.”
The proposal to place the items on the November ballot is in its beginning. A committee has been created and a treasurer designated. An application with 10 signatures has been completed but cannot be filed until legal notice is given and an affidavit provided. Upon filing the application, the committee will have 60 days to circulate petitions to gather 7,584 valid voter signatures. If the signatures were collected by Sept. 5, the measures would be on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Darlene McCurry, a resident of Mesquite since 1965, is adamantly against the proposal. She spoke to the city council last week asking for their support.
“I’ve heard if it is not passed, the major grocery stores would pull out of Mesquite,” McCurry said. “If you think the revenue will improve the city, just look at Balch Springs. I urge you to get behind the citizens and stop this from passing.”
The Mesquite Firefighters Association and the Mesquite Police Association have both supported the committee. Jeff Dillon, president of the Mesquite Firefighters Association, indicates stores are leaving Mesquite and voter approval may give the city a tool to stop the migration of stores to neighboring towns.
McCurry may represent a portion of the residents which will vote in the election if it reaches the ballot. She’s against the proposal and made a point to indicate she was against the sale of beer at the inaugural Real. Texas. Festival.
The sales tax from beer and wine may be the tool the city needs to keep services balanced. Dillon mentions the rising costs of gasoline, health care, concrete and other items as swelling costs for city government.
“We have an increase in costs each year,” Anderson said. “When sales tax begins to flatten, it won’t be cheaper to live in Mesquite.
“I’m very scared about the election. I’m also scared about the closing of grocery stores. This is going to be a very difficult decision for the community.”
Since 2005, both Balch Springs and Garland voters have approved beer and wine sales for off-site consumption and have listed the private club requirement for restaurants to sell alcohol.
There are certain instances where grocery stores pulled out of not only Mesquite. Where a Food Lion store once operated in northeast Mesquite on Galloway Avenue, a church now operates. Food Lion pulled out of Texas, not only Mesquite. Other stores, like Albertson’s and Minyard’s, have closed stores in the city while other locations in neighboring towns remain in operation.
“The grocery industry itself has suffered from consolidation,” Noschese said. “Compounding the issue in Mesquite is the number of surrounding cities which have gone to beer and wine sales.”
An example is the Mesquite Mal-Mart location which is showing lower sales numbers than Wal-Mart locations on the borders of Mesquite in towns with beer and wine sales approved for off-site consumption.
“I see this as nothing but a positive for Mesquite’s economic future,” Noschese said. “This is one way for Mesquite to continue to be competitive. I think this is something essential for Mesquite.”
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Debbie White wrote on May 31, 2007 5:53 PM:
" There has to be another way to make money for Mesquite. If you look at the surrounding cities that do sell beer and wine, you will notice that they look run down. Keep Mesquite moving forward in other ways. Mesquite will acquire more problems than it can bear if allowed to have beer and wine sold. Mesquite stands out as a better city. We don't have to keep lowering our standards. You allowed Hooters and then Twin Peaks. If our city keeps it up, Mesquite will be even more trashy. Use your imaginations. Don't give in!!! "
KCM wrote on Jun 2, 2007 5:06 PM:
" If this passes it will be the beggining of a the end of Mesquite. Yes, great for grocery business in Mesquite. But, get ready for Mesquite to become Trashville with a capital T. "
Stacey wrote on Jun 2, 2007 5:18 PM:
" I don't know -- Mesquite just has their head in the sand. We don't have the restaurant variety that other cities do, I for one, shop at the Balch Springs Walmart now whenever I need beer or wine. All that revenue...going towards Garland and Balch Springs. Look at how the city itself is deteriorating; nothing in the old Service Merchandise/Burlington shopping center except for Conns which is amazing it's still open, PetsMart is relocating to where Ultimate Electronics is which means the shopping center where it used to be will now be almost vacant -- Firewheel is amazing competition -- our demographics have changed, a lot of folks are moving, look at the foreclosure rate -- my taxes go up because our sales tax is flat I'll join the many others that have left -- and let the flood gates from Pleasant Grove open even farther than they already have. And what is with tearing down Big Town and the leaving up the delapidated signs advertising Horse and Rider World and Big Town Mall? Just driving in from downtown into Mesquite, sure the mall is down, but the signs just add to the overall "look" of neglect in Mesquite. "
Rocky wrote on Jun 3, 2007 10:06 PM:
" You need to edit your stories before publishing them. There are numerous errors in this story, including using "listed" when it should have been "lifted," and "Mal-Mart," when it should have been "Wal-Mart." Not very professional. "
Ed wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:24 PM:
" Yeah, selling beer sure did help East Dallas, Garland, and Balch Springs. NOT! Beer is not the solution. Quit building low income housing, get rid of all the rentals, and get rid of the Section 8 housing. That's what killing Mesquite. In 10 years it's going to be another UnPleasant Grove. "
Lori wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:55 PM:
" The sale of beer and wine did not "run down" Balch Springs. It was already that way. If the sales tax would be use appropriately, then Balch Springs COULD improve. "
A lack of Concern wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:42 PM:
" Beer and wine sales do not bring down an area, the citizens' lack of concern for their hometown does this. Our property taxes will continue to rise as the sales tax falls flat, our variety and selection in grocery stores will deteriorate if we do not at least consider allowing the sale of beer and wine. Another point to consider -grocery companies have never looked at Mesquite as an ideal location for their stores (especially not the "higher end" ones). Maybe we need to be forming committees to approach these companies and find out what they don't like about doing business in our city? "
Monica Hammons wrote on Jun 11, 2007 9:33 AM:
" First off, I hope that Mesquite will be smarter than Balch Springs that they familiarize themselves with state laws concerning beer and wine. No one in Balch Springs from the (previous) mayor on down could tell you the distance requirements between a store and a school. Beer and wine will definitely bring a city down. Yes, Balch Springs was already in bad shape, but since bringing in beer and wine, it is making the neighborhoods spiral downward at a pretty fast pace. Aggravated assaults at gas stations that sell beer and wine along with a donut store on Bruton - all on a Saturday afternnoon - when I'm out running the roads with my granddaughter. Be creative and don't allow off premises consumption. We will protest as any individual can do! "
Barbara wrote on Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM:
" We have irresponsible cities bringing in beer and wine and irresponsible business owners not caring about the community they are plopping their store in. (The city is certainly not their own!) The deterioration of Balch Springs for example, has everything to do with both, and not the residents. Irresponsible cities and business owners make irresponsible decisions and the residents and neighborhoods are the ones to suffer. "
Laura Hammons wrote on Jun 11, 2007 10:10 AM:
" I think if the City of Mesquite and its' residents decided to do the beer and wine thing, responsibly--it would be a fine thing for our community. The only thing that concerns me is that as many churches, schools, and daycares we have. If the City of Mesquite passes beer and wine, that means beer stores can be built within 300 feet of churches and schools. If anyone is concerned about this law, I suggest contacting Thomas Lathum. Since I live near the Rodeo and old Downtown Mesquite, I envision an area more like the stockyards in Ft. Worth. I also invision an area like Exposition Park at Fair Park.
I wish our south Mesquite area could attract more young people to the area. AS a young adult, I am bored to tears in this area. I wish there was of artist "scene" in Mesquite for young Americans. Coffee houses, artist lofts, college housing, fun places to go see bands...etc...and meet other young aspiring artists, and for those who are community oriented. Mesquite is missing its' edge. Moreover, I think having the Dart Train to come to Mesquite would be a radical idea. "
Mel wrote on Jun 13, 2007 9:27 AM:
" Tell those people to go shop in Balch Springs if they are worried about losing grocery stores. My children are more important to me than where I shop. Mesquite will hit rock bottom! And I believe Mesquite will lose a lot of GOOD citizens. "
JR wrote on Jun 16, 2007 5:31 PM:
" Mesquite needs revenue. Some of the best beer and wine drinkers I know, including myself, go to good old fashioned Southern Baptist churches every Sunday, and we all agree we would like our "vice" money to stay in our own community. The reason some people do not want fine wine and spirit stores in Mesquite is the same reason we do not have DART mass transit, racism and ignorance. This isn't the the 50's, and I have always been told that change is good. Put it to a vote and let democracy decide. "
Melissa wrote on Jun 18, 2007 12:42 AM:
" Allowing Beer and Wine sales will not improve Mesquite. It will only cause more problems.
What's next? Will we have strip clubs and adult book shops just to keep up with the other towns?
Yes, Mesquite does need more business but do we have to lower our standards to reach that goal.
"
Sara wrote on Jun 18, 2007 10:42 AM:
" I moved to Mesquite in the mid 60's with my parents and have lived all over the city since then.I went to school here,got married here,and raised my kids here.I have always loved this city and the fact that I felt safe here.Until recently,that is.Empty buildings where shopping centers used to be,rental properties that the owners don't take care of and end up running down what used to be nice,clean neighborhoods.We do need more grocery stores.Are you telling me the only way to get them is to offer beer and wine?Every day I see Mesquite looking more and more like Baulch Springs and Pleasant Grove.I have nothing against drinking and it's not like I have to go that far to purchase alcohol if I need to.Come on Mesquite.Don't go the way of the others.I say we spend more time cleaning up the city and maybe re- vamping downtown.Restore those great old buildings and breathe life back into that area. "
Concerned Mesquite Citizen wrote on Jun 21, 2007 11:20 AM:
" Just would like to comment on one thing from Stacy..
"""We don't have the restaurant variety that other cities do, I for one, shop at the Balch Springs Walmart now whenever I need beer or wine."
I don't know if my life is worth a 12 pack of beer or a bottle of wine. Balch Springs is 10 Policemen down. Balch Springs worries me, because they do not have enough police officers to patrol their city.
I am proud of my Mesquite Police Department and the way they serve my community. It will be even better once they build their dungeon into that CASTLE!
"
Kathy wrote on Jun 21, 2007 12:42 PM:
" Worrying about the beer and wine sells should be the least of our problems. The restraunts already have the "club" license to sell and Mesquite could use the extra revenue. We should be more concerned about the people LEAVING Mesquite. I mention I live in Mesquite and you would it was "WHITE TRASHVILLE". Our city needs help in a lot of areas. "
Bob Braddock wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:19 PM:
" Yes, it will grow the economy but at the expense of the taxpayer (you and I). I have listed several ways that this could happen. First it would increase the number of Police that will be needed to enforce the liquor laws, to respond to family violence, work alcohol related accidents and this list goes on and on. Next we would need to hire more civil servants such as firemen and supporting medical emergency crews. also welfare workers to aid those that may need help in paying their bills or to pay their rent or to buy medicine because mom or dad spent this money at the grocery store buying alcohol instead of needed food or medicine. We would need more attorneys and family counselors to handle the increased divorce rate and family violence cases that will surely follow. We can’t forget the added business to the hospital and the need for other emergency workers that would be needed to handle this addition to our health system. Our local funeral homes would certainly appreciate the new business that this would possibly create. Have you noticed that all this comes from the increased tax revenue. Where is the winner?
"
Kim wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:20 PM:
" Mesquite Residents: JUST SAY NO! Do we value money and greed or do we value our neighborhoods. NO to Alcohol. I know everyone recognizes what is going on in Garland and Balch Springs.
I second Ed's opinion. I am a homeowner and recently while having friends visit we had the "opportunity" to watch our local section 8 neighbor (female) walk down the street with a 40 staggering. Not attractive. I personally am not trying to make it easier for her to get beer or liquor. In fact, I encourage every resident to do what I have done recently - report every suspicious character and ask for routine patrols where you live/work in Mesquite. Drive the crime and folks with low morals out. By all means, let's not ad alcohol to the snenario.
sign of the times. Society values the dollar and NOT morals. "
Bob Braddock wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:27 PM:
" Yes, it will grow the economy but at the expense of the taxpayer (you and I). I have listed several ways that this could happen. First it would increase the number of Police that will be needed to enforce the liquor laws, to respond to family violence, work alcohol related accidents and this list goes on and on. Next we would need to hire more civil servants such as firemen and supporting medical emergency crews. also welfare workers to aid those that may need help in paying their bills to pay their rent or to buy medicine because mom or dad spent this money at the grocery store buying alcohol instead of needed food or medicine. We would need more attorneys and family counselors to handle the increased divorce rate and family violence cases that will surely follow. We can’t forget the added business to the hospital and the need for other emergency workers that would be needed to handle this addition to our health system. Our local funeral homes would certainly appreciate the new business that this would possibly create. Have you noticed that all this comes from the increased tax revenue. Where is the winner?
"
Kim wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:27 PM:
" Do we not teach our kids, "JUST SAY NO." Let's keep it simple. I appreciate Ed's comments. Everyone needs a little help now and again but we are too passive letting section 8 families in Mesquite with no morals. Recently, I had company and my girlfriend and I got the "opportunity" to watch a section 8 neighbor walk (no car thank goodness) down the street with a 40 (beer) staggering. Pleasant. Let's not add insult to injury. Garland and Balch Springs should hold signs that say welcome to the ghetto and have more tax revenue to thank for that. "
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