BELMONT CRAGIN — Three Walgreens stores in Belmont Cragin want to sell liquor.
Walgreens has applied for liquor licenses from the city at these locations, the city confirmed:
• 4817 West Fullerton Ave.
• 4745 West Belmont Ave.
• 5140 West Diversey Ave.
"As we have successfully done in other parts of the city, we would like to add a limited selection of beer, wine and spirits for the convenience of our customers," Walgreens spokesman Phil Caruso said Monday.
Caruso said the company has been in contact with Ald. Milly Santiago (31st) and "will work with her to address the needs to the community."
Kevin Lamm, Santiago's chief of staff, pointed out that there were 30 liquor licenses already held by businesses in the area. He said his office met with some people opposed to the plan.
"We held community meetings," Lamm said. "We have a list of things that should be considered by anyone who wants to open up a business in the neighborhood. Walgreens was more than willing to comply."
That includes agreeing to a "plan of operation" that has input from neighbors.
Belmont Cragin United, a neighborhood community group, wants to make sure the concerns of the residents are heard before any decisions are made.
"We aren't completely opposed to it," group president Alonso Zaragoza said, but "just wanted residents to have the opportunity to write to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and give their opinions on the matter."
Zaragoza did say, however, people drinking in neighborhood parks has been a problem. He cited Blackhawk Park, 2318 N. Lavergne Ave., "where about a dozen men gather to drink on a daily basis."
"Having more stores selling liquor is an issue and having three new licenses within a four-block area of this particular park might result in an increase of homelessness and problems in the park," said Zaragoza.
Angel Hawthorne, a spokeswoman for the department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said no decisions have been made on the applications.
"License applications for the three Walgreens locations listed are pending," she said in an email. "The applications were initiated in October and are currently in the review process."
She said as part of the application process, all legal voters living within 250 feet of the stores are notified of the license request.
"Public input is an important part of the liquor license review and approval process," said Hawthorne. "The department reviews public objection letters and are considered to determine how the issuance of the license may impact the community."
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