Liquor retailer Binny's Beverage Depot is opening a store in Springfield soon, but first it must obtain a variance from a Springfield zoning rule which prevents package liquor stores from locating in certain areas.
The store would be located at 2490 Wabash Ave., in the 20,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Staples office supply store. It's common for package liquor stores to seek such a variance.
Under Springfield's zoning ordinance, the Springfield City Council can approve package liquor sales in S-1 (neighborhood commercial and office district), S-2 (community shopping and office district) and B-1 (highway business service district) zoned areas under certain circumstances, including that the retail establishment selling the liquor is on a lot at least 100 feet from the nearest lot containing a residence, church, park, school, community facility or commercial daycare center. The proposed location of Binny's shares a land border with homes in the Westchester housing development.
The owner of the lot is Seritage KMT Finance LLC. Binny's Beverage Depot is owned by Gold Standard Enterprises. A spokesman for Binny's Beverage Depot couldn't be reached for comment.
The Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to consider the request at its June 21 hearing. The commission is also scheduled to hear additional zoning requests, including:
-a variance for 3200 Robbins Road, sought by AC Building LLC to allow five illuminated signs totaling 347 square feet - larger than currently allowed under city ordinance. The building is the future location of Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP, with space for three additional tenants.
-a pair of variances for the proposed Bicentennial Plaza outdoor venue to occupy 428 S. Fifth St. and 435 S. Sixth St. The variances seek to address signage and lighting requirements.
-reclassification of the property at 3150 Roland Ave. from I-1 light industrial use to B-1 highway business service district use to accommodate a proposed daycare. The owners of the property is 3150 Roland LLC, which is owned by Katherine Hodge and Edward Dwyer.
Contact Patrick Yeagle at [email protected].
