Approval to reopen controversial liquor store raises concerns in Detroit neighborhood

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.

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