The Stonecrest Planning Commission on Dec. 2 unanimously recommended approval of a special land-use permit to reestablish a package/liquor store at a shopping center on Farrington (Barrington) Road, conditioned on staff’s recommended measures.

Staff described the property as a 1.48-acre site with a primary building of about 9,152 square feet built in 1971; staff noted the prior liquor store closed in June 2025 and said the use previously operated at the location. Staff recommended approval with five conditions: paint and screen the fence and dumpster area to match the building, install landscaping to screen parking, remove a monument sign on the north/west boundary, install high-resolution exterior security cameras covering entrances/exits and loading zones with footage retained for a minimum of 30 days and made available to law enforcement on request, and prohibit on-site consumption with clear signage.

Attorney Hakeem Hilliard, representing Farrington Package, said the prior liquor store operated at the site since 2003 without recorded incidents and that the applicant accepted the staff conditions. "This particular store has been, a liquor store in this strip shop shopping center since 2003 when it originally opened," Hilliard said, and he told commissioners his client will operate lawfully. Several residents urged security measures and continuity of responsible management; one long-time commentator said the prior owner kept the property under careful supervision and urged assurances from the new owner. Proposed new owner Abdulai Abdi told commissioners he intends to provide on-site security for hours of operation and until employees leave at closing: "I am gonna have security... Until that person closes up, locks up, gets in the car and drives off, and then that's when security's scheduled to sleep."

Commissioner Hubbard moved and Commissioner Hawkins seconded to recommend approval of SLUP25-000006 with the staff conditions; the vote was unanimous. The recommendation will advance to the City Council for final action.