PM Neighborhood Chat

I posted a question about the A to Zee convenient store several weeks ago that gained a lot of views but no responses. I'm hoping to get some feedback on this question.

Often times, as I drive or walk by our lovely A to Zee Convenient store on The Plaza, I observe clientele drinking their 40 oz beverage of choice outside of the store. Is this legal? There clearly isn't anything good that comes of this combination of loitering and alcohol, but before I speak with the store's owner, I would like to check my facts.

Thanks for your interest and response.

We live right across from the A to Zee and it definitely is a problem.  We do call the cops when we see things that shouldn't be going on as you mentioned, but they come, crowd leaves and then the crowd comes back, never ending problem.  We heard they owed a lot on thier taxes, but not sure about that either.  Would love to see it go.  I work from home and certain days are worse - not sure of the solution.

They will never be able to close it down. Look at the place on central up from Mcdonalds that the FBI and CMPD raided and found illegal gambling.I see more people there now than before the raid.

Thanks for the feedback dauksys15. Have you ever spoken w/ the owner / manager? I'm more than willing to have that conversation about being a responsible business owner and neighbor. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

I agree with Mecklenburgman, not sure what can be done about it.  But as I stated, if we hear or see anything we are not comfortable with, we call the police.  Of course I'd like to see a nice bar/restaurant/shop there, but just don't think it's going to happen. 

the owner is definitely behind in taxes

 

http://taxbill.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/publicwebaccess/BillSearchResults.aspx?ParcelNum=09503403

Maybe the hookers that operate in that little fenced area to the left of the store will loan him some money.

So here's the question. What can we do / what has been done in the past? Has anyone spoken with George Frangakis and/or the manager of A to Zee?

I'm glad that those of you who can keep an eye on the store call 911 when there is any illegal / suspicious activity. The bottom line is call me judgmental / stereotypical (or worse), but the traffic that A to Zee generates is not what we want in our neighborhood. It has to change.

Mecklenburgman, that is great, too funny.  And yes, we call the cops when we see that happen as well, but a lot less frequently - maybe once or twice a year.

I would love to see it change.  If this property was within the Midwood "district", like Thomas St Tavern, Penquin, Creation etc, it would be gone, but if you start with this place, then the activity will migrate to Den's Mart, then to the Chicken King across the street, etc.  I don't want to sound as a skeptic and not help figuring this solution out, but if you head North from this establishment, it really is no longer "Plaza Midwood" - if there is a specific tactic that you'd like to pursue - I'd be happy to participate.

After contacting Rob @ PMNA Neighborhood Watch, he posed the question to Sgt. Sloops about how to best handle this problem as a community. Here is his response:

"The owners of the A-Z hire the street people to do work so if anyone sees them drinking on that property we ask that they call us ASAP. We will either write citations or arrest them. If we get several citations plus arrest for ABC violations we will contact the ABC board to cite the owners."

Let's all band together, be vigilant, and don't hesitate to call 911 if you see anyone drinking or any other suspicious behavior around A to Zee. Thank you.

Good deal Santino12, I will continue to do my part and keep an eye on the place and report anything we see we are not comfortable with.  Thanks.

The owner of the A to Zee Mart will sell the property...the problem his her price and the current state of the market. over the past three years I have worked to purchase the property but could not raise the required equity it would take to purchase and hold until the market came back around.

If any one is interested and has the means of investing we have a plan which is viable. Feel free to email me at bbradley@ascentcarolinas.com