Transition to liquor store is bad idea for Elgin

The recent news that the Citgo gas station on Villa Street is likely to be redeveloped into a liquor store begs the question, does Elgin really need another one? A quick Google search reveals that there are six liquor stores already operating on the east side of Elgin. This is in addition to other places such as grocery stores where alcohol can be obtained. Clearly, Elginites who wish to imbibe already have plenty of options to slake their thirst. I agree with Mr. Suvagia, the owner of Villa Liquors, that an additional liquor store would only serve to divide the existing customer base, not bring in new business. What's the point?

Furthermore, to have a site that was originally designed for stop-and-go car convenience traffic in alcohol doesn't do anything to change behaviors or help reduce the recent dangerous uptick in both impaired driving and traffic fatalities - a subject the Daily Herald Editorial Board has written about recently. And while one would hope we all wait to get home to enjoy our beverages responsibly, the black bags full of empties seen on the side of the road would suggest otherwise.

Perhaps the purpose of the soft cap in liquor licenses is to allow time for civic leaders to sober up and consider alternatives for the space that could better serve the community. The east side of Elgin is a beautiful place, filled with friendly people and historic homes. Hopefully, the Elgin City Council will say thanks but no thanks to this million-dollar plan, and maybe it's time to make it easy to pick up something other than a six-pack on Elgin's east side.

Ethan Auburn

Elgin