Wednesday, July 23, 2003
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Wednesday, July 23, 2003 |
Tyrone says no to liquorBy LINDSAY
BIANCHI
If you're looking to get a martini with your dinner, you'll still need to head to Peachtree City or Fayetteville, since Tyrone officials rejected a liquor by the drink proposal last week. A number of Tyrone citizens turned out at last Thursday's City Council meeting to protest the possibility of adding a "liquor by the drink" referendum to the November's ballot. After lengthy discussion by board members and concerned townsfolk, the proposed referendum died without a vote. Councilman Ray Bogenschutz argued heartily for the change in the liquor law. "We have to decide how we want to continue our community as it grows." Bogenschutz said. "I'm tired of going out of town to a fine restaurant. We are surrounded by two communities that have liquor by the drink," said Councilman Michael Smola. But most of the residents at the meeting agreed with one of the town's ministers. The Rev. Farrell Dowdy, pastor of Crestwood Baptist Church, was present and approached the podium with a well-worn Bible in his hands. "I'm opposed to liquor," he said. "I'm opposed to any alcoholic beverage." He went on to quote the Bible, saying, "'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.'" "We should be closing them down, not opening them up." Dowdy added, referring to other establishments in the area who already serve beer and wine. Councilmen Paul Letourneau, Lisa Richardson and Mayor Sheryl Lee said they had not heard from any residents who were in favor of the proposal, and would not support putting it on the ballot until the majority of residents wanted it. In related business Thursday night, developer Burt Clark brought forth his request to rezone a two-acre lot on Tyrone Road and Dogwood Trail. Clark wanted to open a "specialty meat and deli takeout place" he said, "with an accompanying catering business to offer something more than you can get at Publix or Kroger." Clark said the shop would also sell wine to accompany the takeout meals. John Watkins of 120 Meadowood Lane had concerns about "huge bottlenecks" on Dogwood Lane which he pointed out "was never designed to handle the traffic." "Where's it going to stop?" he asked. "If you approve this, he's going to come back with another recommendation in the future." But after several citizens spoke up in protest of the store, Clark stood up and shocked the crowd. "I would like to withdraw my request for rezoning," he said. He then left the meeting. As the majority of those who spoke up at Thursday's meeting concurred, the bedroom community of Tyrone will stay just as it is for now.
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