Pilsen residents and neighborhood groups who protested on Saturday said it was not a matter of stopping all new businesses or enterprises, but of protecting their livelihoods
About a block from his home and the proposed location for a new restaurant and bar, Pilsen resident Carlos Colon said there was not enough space for both.
“I literally live in the house next door. Fifteen meters from door to door, ”he said. “They are not benefiting the neighborhood, they are just affecting the neighborhood.”
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Colon said the proposed site for a new Beercade Headquarters, if approved, would only add to the existing list of problems he has with other new ventures in the area.
“I’m tired of having people defecating in the alley,” said Colon. “Early morning noise, people leaving empty garbage bottles with alcoholic drinks.”
And he is not the only one.
On Saturday, he joined dozens of other Pilsen residents and neighborhood organizations demanding that Beercade headquarters choose a new location.
“This type of business may be good in other parts of the city, but not in this residential area where its residents just want to live in peace and quiet,” said Vicky Lugo with the Stop the Pilsen Landmark coalition.
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“And now we have COVID going on, right? We know that a lot of people have lost their jobs, they will be evicted from this community and these people are thinking of putting up a Beercade,” added Rosa Esquivel, president of the Pilsen Alliance.
The protesters said they have not yet heard from the bar and grill owners, despite numerous attempts to contact them.
“You know, it would be nice if when companies – especially those that are much more focused on nightlife, drinks and entertainment – took the time to really talk to the community before signing up for these apps,” said fellow resident Matt Richmond.
Protesters pointed out that the deal was originally denied a city liquor license and only received a parole after appealing to the state. A decision that is currently being disputed by the city’s legal department and these protesters.
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“We, the community, will once again fight for justice and we will win,” said Lugo.
ABC7 contacted the city and Beercade headquarters, but they did not respond to our request for comment.
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