HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmailed Comment from Scott and Renee Schwartz1
Gloria Harper
From:Renee Schwartz <renee.j.schwartz@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 14, 2023 3:23 PM
To:Gloria Harper
Subject:Preserving Community Well-being: A Case Against Allowing Alcohol Sales at Chevron
Gas Station in Seal Beach
Seal Beach, a picturesque coastal city known for its charm and community values, is currently facing a contentious
proposal that threatens to compromise its unique character. The proposition in question seeks to allow the sale of beer
and wine at the Chevron gas station located at Lampson and Basswood, accompanied by a reduction in the required
distance for alcohol sales from residences and parks. This essay argues against this proposal, emphasizing the potential
negative impact on community well-being and the need to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment.
1. **Community Values and Character:**
Seal Beach has long prided itself on being a family-friendly community with a strong sense of identity and unity.
Allowing alcohol sales at a gas station, a place frequented by families and individuals of all ages, threatens to erode the
community's values. The introduction of alcohol sales in such a central location could compromise the city's reputation
as a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
2. **Proximity to Residences:**
The proposed reduction in the required distance for alcohol sales from 100 feet to 50 feet from residences raises
concerns about the potential negative impact on nearby households. A decrease in this buffer zone may expose
residents, particularly children and families, to the undesirable consequences of alcohol consumption, such as increased
noise, potential disturbances, and a decline in overall neighborhood safety.
3. **Safety Concerns:**
The safety of the community should be a paramount consideration when evaluating proposals related to alcohol sales.
Reducing the required distance from parks, from 1,000 feet to 350 feet, poses a significant risk to public safety. Parks are
spaces where families gather for recreation and leisure, and allowing alcohol sales in close proximity increases the
likelihood of alcohol-related incidents, endangering the well-being of park-goers.
4. **Potential for Increased Crime:**
The introduction of alcohol sales at the proposed location may also raise concerns about an uptick in criminal activities.
Gas stations are already susceptible to certain types of crime, and the addition of alcohol sales could exacerbate these
issues, potentially leading to an increase in theft, loitering, and other undesirable behaviors that would negatively
impact the community's overall safety.
5. **Community Input and Opposition:**
A strong community is built on the foundation of shared values and the active involvement of its residents. It is
essential to consider the widespread opposition to this proposal from concerned citizens who fear the consequences of
such a decision on their community. Listening to the voices of those who oppose the sale of alcohol at the Chevron gas
station is vital in preserving the city's character.
In conclusion, allowing the sale of alcohol at the Chevron gas station in Seal Beach, accompanied by a reduction in the
required distances from residences and parks, poses a significant threat to the community's well-being and character.
Preserving the city's family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring the safety of its residents, and heeding the concerns of the
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community should take precedence over potentially detrimental proposals. Seal Beach must remain committed to
maintaining its unique identity and upholding the values that have made it a cherished place to call home.
Scott and Renee Schwartz
4524 Elder Avenue
Seal Beach