Councilman Van Treuren Opposes New Bar in Amherst, Asks Residents To Attend Meeting
September 24, 2010
209 S. Main Street, Amherst (Image courtesy of Google Maps)
Amherst City Councilman At-Large Phil Van Treuren is calling on his fellow council members to oppose a liquor permit for a new bar in the city, and is inviting residents to attend a public meeting to voice their opinions on the matter.
According to an agenda request for its next meeting, Amherst City Council will consider a new liquor permit for a bar called “Corks and Stubbys” that plans to open at 209 S. Main Street. Van Treuren is urging Amherst residents to speak out at the council meeting, which will take place at City Hall on Monday, September 27, 2010, at 7:30 PM.
Van Treuren said that he has been contacted by dozens of Amherst residents in the past year who don’t think the city needs any more bars or establishments that sell liquor.
Councilman Phil Van Treuren
“I think that our elected officials should consider the impact that their actions will have on families and children in this community,” Van Treuren said. “Opening the doors to yet another bar is not in the best interests of Amherst families.”
Van Treuren also said that he thinks a new bar in Amherst would take valuable business away from other downtown establishments, which is a bad idea in the current economic climate.
“Amherst already has some great establishments downtown, and a new bar would only lead to less business for them,” Van Treuren said. “Our beautiful historic downtown is a great place for many types of businesses to open shop, but we have more than enough bars.”
Van Treuren said that he hopes any Amherst residents with an opinion on the matter will attend Monday’s council meeting and share their thoughts, whether they agree or disagree with his position.
UPDATE: See a story in The Morning Journal published on September 25, 2010 about Phil’s stance on this issue.
For more information or to share your opinion, contact Amherst City Councilman At-Large Phil Van Treuren using this site’s contact form.
Van Treuren Supports More Churches in Amherst, Discourages Adult-Themed Shops
September 17, 2010
Amherst City Councilman At-Large Phil Van Treuren is voicing strong support for a proposed zoning change that would allow more places of worship to open in Amherst, while speaking out against allowing any adult-themed stores in the city.
The zoning change, which would allow all places of worship to open in light industrial zones, was sent to a second reading by Van Treuren and other members of Amherst City Council recently. A final decision will be made on the change after it has gone to a third reading.
“I’m encouraging my colleagues on Amherst City Council to support this zoning change, because it’s good for our community and our families,” Van Treuren said. “Amherst currently allows churches only in residential areas, but I think places of worship should be welcome everywhere.”
Sexually-oriented businesses aren’t allowed to open within 1,000 feet of a church, and at a recent committee meeting some council members asked whether the change would deter adult-themed stores from opening in Amherst.
“If it makes it more difficult for adult-themed businesses to operate here, then I encourage as many churches as possible to open their doors in Amherst,” Van Treuren said. “City Council shouldn’t waste time discussing the rights of non-existent sex shops that aren’t wanted in our community.”
Van Treuren is encouraging residents to visit the Amherst Facebook Page at www.AmherstFacebook.com in order to voice their thoughts about the rezoning issue with other members of the community.