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Approval to reopen controversial liquor store raises concerns in Detroit neighborhood

Community members said store is not what they need

The building at the center of the controversy was once the site of City Liquor Shoppe and Piper Liquor. (WDIV)

OLD REDFORD, Mich. – It’s some bad news for some neighbors in the Old Redford area on Detroit’s west side.

The city’s moving forward and allowing a property owner to reopen a liquor store at a site the community’s been calling a nuisance.

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In February, neighbors launched a petition against the property, located at the corner of Grand River Avenue and Lahser Road. They complained the last liquor store operating there was a haven for drug activity, fights and other crimes until it shut down more than a year ago.

Attorneys for the property owner blame those issues on a former problem tenant.

On Friday, March 22, the property owner convinced a hearing officer they’ve been working with the city’s building inspectors to clean up the site and secure a liquor license. The court found there wasn’t enough evidence from the city’s attorney to put a land revocation order in place.

Background: Detroit neighborhood pushes back against plans for new liquor store


About the Author
Demond Fernandez headshot

Demond Fernandez joined the Local 4 News team in 2023, anchoring our 5:30 p.m. newscast and reporting on important stories impacting our community. He joined WDIV from WFAA in Dallas where he was a senior reporter focusing southern Dallas communities.

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