LINCOLN SQUARE — A St. Louis-based head shop chain's plans to open a store in Lincoln Square sparked a debate among those petitioning against the shop on the grounds its location is too close to nearby schools and those who say Lincoln Square could use a little more diversity.
In last week's story about opposition to Mr. Nice Guy, 4548 N. Western Ave., DNAinfo asked readers to weigh in with their opinions about the head shop.
Here are a few of their responses from Neighborhood Square.
Among those arguing against Mr. Nice Guy, particularly given its proximity to Queen of Angels school, was @happycat2: "A shop selling dug paraphanalia, spice and laced brownies should not be on the same block as an elementary school. We are all open minded people, but as a [Lincoln Square] lifer I think this sends a terrible message."
Reader @TheRealStory summed up the position of those who object to the shop: "It's very disappointing that anyone believes an optimal location for a head shop (especially one with marketing that appeals to kids), is 100 feet from an elementary school. Flabbergasted. The store is fine, just not steps from the school, and if [Mr. Nice Guy] was truly concerned about the community they would find another location."
Others thought the concerns were overblown with @Jammer calling the brouhaha "NIMBY crap" and @Magg1e saying, "Let's not let hypocritical pearl-clutching stop a small business from coming to our neighborhood."
Recalling that Lincoln Square residents once protested the opening of a Starbucks at Lincoln and Wilson avenues, @nelson-castillo-milburn said: "Society today is getting too mamby pansy, whining about every little thing.... People need to start to get a grip. There are worse things going on in our planet that you should be more concerned about."
Some pointed out that the area is already home to liquor stores, bars and vape shops, none of which were subjected to similar opposition.
"The 7/11 right across the street sells liquor so they'd need to shut it down right??" said @Jeff-Zacharias. "Teach your kids right from wrong and don't try to allow in or keep things out you may or may not agree with."
The neighborhood's character, or lack thereof, was top of mind with other commenters.
"We need some diversity here!" said @LikeItIs. "Let them come and let them be."
That sentiment was echoed by @sick-tired, who said Lincoln Square was on the verge of becoming "puritanical elitist beige and bourgeois."
"Good grief, what are they going to sell that creates such angst?" asked @sick-tired. "Pretty sure there won't be any 'funny candy.' Influences online and in social media are far more pervasive for adolescents. The neighborhood has always had character. Not for long if some people have their way."
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