Too many liquor licenses in 93702

I am writing in regards to the resolution to hear and entertain concerns passed on Dec. 17 at the Fresno City Council meeting.

The resolution was concerning a community issue surrounding alcohol-outlet saturation in southeast Fresno. For nearly three years, the Southeast Neighborhood Transformation Team has been approaching city council members to discuss the possibility of creating an ordinance to reduce the amount of liquor licenses issued in the 93702 zip code, as it suffers from some of the highest numbers, with about 36 liquor stores within a one-mile radius of Roosevelt High School.

This concerns me as a member of the community, as these outlets negatively impact a community and increase violent crime, particularly in low-income communities. As a community, it is our responsibility to create a more positive environment for our young people to grow and prosper in.

I am grateful for the time and consideration city council provided us by listening to our concerns, but I also urge them to continue walking hand in hand with us as we aim to push forward into law an ordinance that addresses our concerns.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 6:58 AM with the headline "Too many liquor licenses in 93702."