I didn't see this mentioned anywhere else, so if this has already been brought up, I apologize. Additionally, if this is not the proper forum for this topic, again - my apologies.

That said, a new storefront opened in the Medical Community neighborhood recently - only the second of such storefronts that are actually being used for retail along Lottie between NE 23rd and NE 13th. The building at 1709 N Lottie Ave was in pretty poor condition before these guys moved in, but they put a lot of work into cleaning the property up and remodeling the inside. Apparently, though, residents in the surrounding neighborhood are concerned about it - because it's a liquor store.

From http://www.okcfox.com/story/30083073...-liquor-store:
NE OKLAHOMA CITY -

There is controversy brewing over a new liquor store on the city's northeast side. Some people in the community say it needs to go because they want to improve the neighborhood. The store owner says his store will be good for the community. It's a battle between bettering the community morally and bettering it with new retail.

Usman Rashid is the owner of the new liquor store at NE 16th and Lottie. Michael Washington is a community activist on the NE side and creator of the Empower People/People against People Abuse organization. In front of our cameras, the two men argued about whether the liquor store should stay or go.

The store just opened a month and a half ago in a building Rashid says was abandoned and attracted vandals. He says his store is a huge improvement over what was there and something the community wanted. He also believes his presence in the area will encourage other retailers to open up shop too. Bringing in more money for the community.

Washington is afraid the liquor store will encourage alcoholism and loiterers.

"You're not going to come in here and desecrate our community for the sake of money," Washington said.

He's also concerned about a nearby church and daycare. Washington thinks the store is too close. According to city regulations a liquor store must be at least 300 feet from a church or daycare. The city says the distance between the liquor store and the nearby church is 305 feet.

"You will never see anybody begging or hanging out or anything outside in front of the store," Rashid said. "We do not allow that. That's our store policy."

Regardless, Washington says he's passionate about his community and plans on holding a protest outside of the store next week.

"What you're gonna do is you're gonna close this down or else you're gonna get lawsuits filed on you," Washington said.

"That's their right to do whatever they want to do," Rashid said. "We're not forcing you to come to this establishment."

Fox 25 checked with the city, the liquor store has all the licenses and permits it needs to legally operate. Other neighbors we talked with say the store will save them time and money getting transportation to other liquor stores further away.
I guess tensions are reaching the boiling point because today, there are protesters waving signs at any passing cars on Lottie, demanding that the store leave their neighborhood. I've gotta admit, it surprised me... I would think that with the condition of the retail storefronts along this street, any business is good business, and will help the community grow - not to mention that the owners cleaned this building up quite a bit from the way it used to look.