By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Despite opposition from residents, the Bloomington Liquor Commission is recommending the city council allow a convenience store owner to sell packaged liquor at his business near Miller Park.

The commission’s decision is not the final obstacle for Ajeet Singh’s license request. Park Pantry at 906 S. Morris Ave. is in City Council member Jenn Carrillo’s ward. She told WJBC she’s siding with neighbors, and will vote no at Monday night’s council meeting.

Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Tari Renner, who broke a tie in favor of granting the license, does not want the former West Side Food and Beverage to remain vacant.

“From the standpoint of being mayor and liquor commissioner, everything is my fault. So, since everything is my fault, and I have to look at people in the eye, this is just a very, very difficult decision to make,” Renner said.

Renner said the city would closely monitor if Singh is being a good neighbor.

“We’re putting a lot of faith in you. Frankly, as a mayor, I’m putting a lot of risk in you because there are people here who I’ve known for years, and I have a great deal of respect for, who live in this neighborhood, and this is a neighborhood that I want to thrive,” said Renner.

The commission attached several conditions to the license, including the latest requirement that Park Pantry would not be allowed to sell single servings of less than 24 ounces.

The business would also have to close by 11 p.m, install security cameras and outdoor lighting, plus limit alcohol sales to 50 percent of Park Pantry’s revenue.

Singh’s lawyer Rich Marvel told the commission Singh shares the same concerns as neighbors.

“If Ajeet is gong to invest his dollars to have a convenience store, the absolute worst thing that he can have are drunks in his store. The absolute worst thing he can have is loitering with drinking outside. It will kill his business, and he knows that,” said Marvel.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]