COMMUNITY ACTIVISM IN OAK PARK: COMPETING AGENDAS ...

campaigns for urban renewal in the neighborhood are gaining momentum and political
power.
Neighborhood Association efforts to revitalize the neighborhood involve of open
dialogue about closing down local liquor stores, through government initiated eminent
domain, in order to restore the use of the space in other ways. While residents attend
Neighborhood Association meetings to voice their opinion about closing down liquor
stores, the initiative gains support from other residents, groups, and government
representatives. From the perspective of many residents, closing down liquor stores will
benefit the overall community and welfare of residents, as individuals will no longer have
to be exposed to petty crime. The lack of petty crime will help make the residents in the
community feel safer and the lack of deviant behavior and solicitors hanging out around
the liquor stores will therefore help “beautify” the neighborhood.
Although many residents feel that closing down liquor stores is a positive change
for the neighborhood, there are a handful of residents who want the stores to remain
open. These residents claim that local liquor stores have been open in the community for
many years and provide necessary products for not only the poor, but working residents.
The liquor stores, although used as spots for the poor to hang-out, also serve as markets
for other residents in the neighborhood. They attract residents who want to make a
quick-stop to get groceries and other amenities. Many of the liquor stores not only sell
cigarettes and alcohol, but also other popular products, such as coffee, fruit, and ethnic
foods. These products often sell out quickly. Likewise, the liquor stores contribute to the
neighborhood by hiring residents in the community and accepting food stamps.
70