We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) to reconsider and approve the off-premises liquor license for The Liquor Loft at 647 Mariaville Road, Schenectady, NY.

 
Who is applying?
Gurinder Madan  has lived in Rotterdam for the past decade. He operates one family-run gas station in a neighboring town and holds no other liquor licenses. The Liquor Loft would be his first wine-and-spirits venture—a locally owned, minority-run small business.

 
Community benefits of approval
Jobs & new tax revenue – The store will bring much-needed employment opportunities and additional sales-tax dollars to Schenectady County.
Broader product choice – Plans include New York craft spirits, kosher and organic selections, and free educational tastings.
Convenient, well-lit location – Situated beside a busy Stewart’s Shops convenience store with ample off-street parking, giving residents a one-stop errand hub.
 
Opposition context
A single competitor, Black Mountain Liquor (owner: Deanna DeFillipps), is leading a strong opposition campaign:

Discount-driven petitioning – Customers were offered 10–20 % discounts to sign an in-store petition or post negative comments online.
Social-media harassment – Continuous opposition posts by Black Mountain’s owners, some containing disparaging remarks toward Sikh and other non-white communities.
Contradictory offer to sell – On 24 June 2025, Black Mountain offered to sell its own license and inventory, undermining claims that another store would threaten its “sole livelihood.”
Pattern of objections – Black Mountain has opposed nearly every recent liquor-license application in the area, suggesting anti-competitive behavior.
 
Why your signature matters
Show the NYSLA that local residents welcome fair competition and minority-owned small businesses.
Reject hate-tinged rhetoric and support an inclusive local economy.
Help bring new jobs, consumer choice, and additional tax revenue to the Mariaville Road area.
Please sign and share with friends, family, and local groups to ensure economic opportunity in Schenectady is open to everyone.