Great discussion ongoing in The Phoenixville News about the PLCB pulling the State Store out of town.It starts here with local business (the Earth Mart) owner Lisa Longo asking why the PLCB closed the downtown Phoenixville State Store "without any notice or public hearings, no due diligence (to my knowledge, and I asked the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board spokesperson), no economic impact study, but the PCLB spokesperson told me it was "just business" and, because there was "no free parking" in Phoenixville. Really? Since when?"
Seriously, since when should a state agency be slamming shut a door for reasons that are "just business"? Why the hell is the State in this business to begin with?
The city follows up today with this piece from Henry Wagner, the borough council president. "I, together with the rest of Council, the Mayor and the CDC agree that the loss of the State Store would not be a positive step... The PLCB made this decision without speaking to any borough representatives."
Look, if this had been a privately-owned liquor store, okay, they can close up shop, no sweat. Maybe the town would have tried to keep them open; P-ville is trying to re-vitalize their downtown. But for a government agency to do it, after saying they would consult with the borough before moving? Your tax dollars at work: congratulations, Phoenixville, you've been screwed.
The State Store System continues in operation because it is a frickin' jobs program, and a great place for Governor Rendell to reward out-of-work legislators. If it's a jobs program...apparently they can't even do that right. Sell the whole thing, get the state out of this business, and realize the windfall.
