Two developers hope to find a way forward for their proposed ‘package stores’ after council members voted against the projects last month.
It’s been several weeks since the elected officials unanimously denied separate Specific Use Permits for Gokarna KC and Sam Patel’s ventures. According to the general consensus July 17, the current five liquor stores are sufficient.
It’s an expensive ‘No’ for Gokarna KC, who says there’s a $600,000 investment on the line and no local ordinance that would have steered him away from opening his Nebula Vape & Liquor store in Suite 100 of 807 S. Tyler St.
The developer followed-up with city staffers July 31 and hopes to plead his case to Mayor Brandy Flanagan in the week ahead. He already has the essential licensing in-hand after submitting the requisite paperwork, including city documentation and paying the necessary fees to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
“I have a permit right now,” he said. In addition to the city’s nominal $175 fee, “I’ve already spent around $40,000 for all the signs, the inside racks, all the licensing. I’ve already ordered the merchandise.”
Sam Patel says he’s still eager to open “a very high-end spirit and wine store” at 1004 E. Broadway Ave. He wasn’t especially surprised by the council’s July 17 denial following a cool reception and split vote by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
“The planning and zoning did approve, and they did mention this would be the last liquor store Gladewater would have. I said I would make it count,” Patel recalled last week. “I think the city council had a different idea. Their concerns weren’t, I wouldn’t say, unreasonable. I could see having too many stores of a particular kind would cause a problem.
That said, “I will try to see if there’s another way we can still go through with this project, if there is a way.”
GISD Calendar
Download a copy of this year's GISD Calendar.
Download a copy of this year's GISD Calendar.