Sen. Gianaris Urges State to Block Liquor Store in LIC in Same Building as Pre-K, Kindergarten

Gianaris: Children and Families Should Not be Subject to Liquor Store Traffic During School Day

ASTORIA, N.Y. – Senator Michael Gianaris called on the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to reject the application of Armazen, Inc. to open a liquor store near Q972, a Pre-K center on Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. In addition to being a pre-K location, the site is likely to become an incubator school for kindergarten classes for the 2018-19 school year. Last July, the SLA rejected an application by the same operator to open a liquor store at this location.

“Our youngest children and their families should not be subject to the flow of traffic coming in and out of a liquor store during the school day,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “I urge the SLA to listen to our community and reject this application again.”

In his letter to the SLA, Senator Gianaris highlighted the concerns of neighborhood parents who send their children to Pre-K at the site. Currently, the location – 27-35 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City – is under consideration for the addition of kindergarten classrooms to fill the growing need for seats in School District 30. The SLA will meet on Wednesday to vote on the application.

Sen. Gianaris’ full letter is below:

 February 26, 2018

Chairman Vincent G. Bradley

New York State Liquor Authority

80 S. Swan Street 9^th Floor

Albany, NY 12210

Re:       Armazen Inc.

            27-35 Jackson Avenue

Long Island City, NY 11101

            Serial # 1302091

Dear Chairman Bradley,

I write regarding a serious situation affecting the quality of life in western Queens.

Specifically, I write on behalf of concerned parents, who contacted my office about a liquor license application at the aforementioned address. This location is home to Q972, a Pre-K center and is also a location that is being mentioned as a possible site to house an incubator school due to the increasing need for kindergarten seats in School District 30.

The New York State Liquor Authority previously denied the request for a liquor license due to its proximity to the Pre-K center and I believe that the additional students will make the location even more unfit for this type of establishment.

On behalf of the western Queens community, I respectfully request that you reject this application. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,       

Michael Gianaris

New York State Senator District 12