Battle Creek considers buying, destroying, party store

February 02, 2010 5:05 PM

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – City commissioners in Battle Creek are hoping that a big purchase can rid them of what they consider to be a big problem.

At a meeting Tuesday night, commissioners will vote on whether or not to spend $52,500 to buy Handy's Party Store on Hubbard Street. They want to tear that building down.

According to police, in one year, they were called to that address more than one hundred times.

There's no doubt that Handy's Party Store on Hubbard Street draws in business, the neighborhood market has stood in the Washington Heights section of Battle Creek for more than half a century, but the market draws more than just loyal customers.

“I don't think it's good to have a liquor store smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood,” said Michael Roberts, who lives in the neighborhood.

Neighbors who live on either side of the store say it brings in crime.

“We have a lot of things that stem from that store,” said Robert Nash.

“They loiter, throw trash, drink, even ask for money,” said Roberts. “It's not good when you're trying to raise children in this neighborhood.”

The location has been on the city's radar for years.

“As an example, in that area fifteen percent of calls were generated from that location,” said Comm. Jim Saylor of the Battle Creek Police Department.

So, in order to scale back crime in the area, the city may have to pay out $50,000. If the deal is approved, the city will buy the building and tear it down.

“With that store gone, I think you will see a little more calm and resolve come back to that neighborhood,” said Comm. Saylor.

One of the co-owners of Handy's Party Store, Salah Ali, disagrees.

“It's not fair, people need the store here,” said Ali.

For some it's a matter of convenience.

“They sell food, cigarettes,” said Cigi Crawford. “It's right around the corner for a lot of us.”

The owner of Handy's tells Newschannel 3 that if the city forces them to move, they plan on opening shop just down the street on Michigan Avenue.