Not if the Gladstone Area Partnership has its way. More litigation has been filed in an effort to block the plans of Bernie Woods to open a liquor store in the old Circle K building.
Woods recently purchased this building after the was given the green light by the Shreveport city council.
Actually it was more of a yellow light—as in proceed with caution. Now he must make a decision on how fast to renovate the facility so the can actually open.
The new pleadings do not prohibit Woods from opening a store. These is so hall chatter at city hall that Woods may have difficulty in obtaining an occupancy permit when his renovations are completed. And of course that could lead to more litigation.
The council approved the special use permit for the liquor store with several conditions. These included site changes and most importantly a 9 p.m. daily closing time. The Shreveport MPC had recommended a midnight closing time. Other liquor stores in Shreveport can stay open until 4 a.m. Most close no later than midnight.
The pleadings re-assert the arguments that were made at the city council meeting:
1. The liquor store is totally incompatible with the existing family residences. Additionally it is incompatible with future improvement of the adjacent Gladstone and Highland neighborhoods.
2. The liquor store poses a significant risk to the public health, safety, and welfare of the surrounding area.
3. The liquor store will not conform to the planning and zoning regulations applied in the zoning district set forth in the Shreveport Master Plan.
This case will no doubt take several months to come to a conclusion. And it can be expected that the well-healed plaintiffs will appeal any adverse decision by Caddo district judge Mike Pitman.
Bottom line, its very unlikely any holiday spirits will be obtainable at this location. And for that matter, the grinch has made an early appearance at Bernie Wood’s door.