The North Camden community is saying “NO!” to a new liquor store at 724 State Street, at the late Sam Plaza’s La Posada Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. This building, closed but in beautiful condition, is located in the heart of North Camden, with residents living on either side, a church and school operating within a 1/2 a block, and a halfway house supporting addicts in recovery across the street.
Over the years, the residents on N. 7th and State Streets have worked hard to revitalize their neighborhood. They were among the first to become Block Supporters, each committing to keep the front and back of their properties clean and clear of trash and debris. They planted flower boxes, transformed a vacant lot into a pocket park, and lined their beautiful street trees with solar lights. Now, a liquor store is proposed on the corner of 7th and State Streets. “Absolutely not,” explained a State Street resident. “After all we’ve been doing to move forward, they want to move us backwards? We can’t let this happen. Our kids deserve better.”
On Monday, August 14th, Camden Lutheran Housing and many others attended Camden’s Alcohol, Beverage, and Consumption (ABC) Committee meeting in City Council Chambers to oppose the opening of a liquor store at 724 State Street. Our petition, signed by 300 residents, read, “We already tolerate a liquor store in the neighborhood. There are many other resourceful, positive uses for this space, included but not limited to: a restaurant, dance studio, bakery, flower shop, thrift store, office space, community space, art gallery, museum, pharmacy, doctor’s office, counseling office, or a gym/exercise center.” While that meeting was well attended and the ABC Committee was receptive to our concerns, there was no vote.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are a North Camden resident or stakeholder, please come in and sign our petition today to show you care. If you’re a North Camden organization/business or a concerned resident who wants to get your neighbors involved, please contact us for blank petition sheets. Our goal is to have 1,000 signatures by next month’s ABC Committee meeting. Help us show North Camden cares!
For more information, please contact Betsy Clifford at (856) 342-8088.
