Swan Lake Neighborhood Association

16th & Peoria Site in Debate

Dec 08, 2006

A planned liquor store at 16th & Peoria Avenue apparently is getting the third degree from the state's Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE).

According to a recent Tulsa World article, Maple Ridge resident Keith Ward wants to open up "an upscale liquor store" at 1603 S. Peoria Ave., currently the site of a vacant building, last used as a convenience store.

The problem is that Ward's planned business sits within the 300 feet from a house of worship, which violates ABLE standards.

The newspaper states that Wards' shop "is about 285 feet from the parking lot of B'nai Emunah synagogue in the Maple Ridge neighborhood" but that "the store would be more than 400 feet from the actual synagogue, at 1719 S. Owasso Ave.".

According the the World, B'nai Emunah synagogue board president David Charney says "said the congregation has taken no formal position on the issue and would, at this time, defer to the judgment of the appropriate state agency or court" but added that the congregation would be willing to "take part in discussions on the proposal".

Link to the Tulsa World report:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=061208_Ne_A17_Lawye73790