While the liquor license application, submitted on February 20, is before the State Liquor authority for review, local residents have circulated a petition addressing their concerns regarding the proposed Country Club Wine Shop at 3202 Ampere Avenue, the former location of LoParrino’s Deli.
Even though the applicant has stated he intends to primarily feature a broad selection of wines, residents are concerned that if this business model fails, the owner would then focus on hard-liquor instead.
The applicant, Hepburn Pitt, told those in attendance, “This neighborhood has a lot of classy people. My store will sell 95% wine and 5% spirits. Anyone in the business will tell you that there is little profit in selling spirits.” Pitt said his business model calls for a shop that will attract a high-class clientele, interested in purchasing high quality wines.
Pitt assured the CB 10 members he would focus on wine because that’s where the profit is.
Charles LoParrino, owner of the property, feels the store will be an asset to the community.
“I would not put in anything that would adversely affect the neighborhood,” LoParrino said.
Evett Gigante, who along with Michael Gigante, initiated the petition drive, said, “I don’t begrudge him the right to own a business, and don’t want to be perceived as a rabble-rouser, but 37 people who live here signed the petition at the Spencer Estate Civic Association meeting and we have legitimate concerns.”
Evett said she and her neighbors are worried the store will sell alcohol to Pelham Bay Park visitors and send kids in the neighborhood the wrong message.
Evett, who meet with Pitt after the meeting, is optimistic that the store and the community can work out their differences.
“Many of CB 10’s board members had the same concerns that I do, and they announced a separate meeting to solely address the matter,” Evett commented. “In Mr. Pitt’s defense, he did try to allay fears and answer all questions.”
Many observers were surprised by the strong negative reaction to the store. “I haven’t found anyone who is for it,” said Al Carena, president of SECA, “and this surprises me, because there are worse things that could go there.”
