The downtown Charlottesville ABC store is currently an unconventional single-store model in a residential neighborhood and the hub of unacceptable high levels of criminal activity.  It should be relocated at the conclusion of its lease on May 31, 2015 to a more traditional location near Downtown Charlottesville with adequate parking, lighting, and security. 

Since 2011, the Charlottesville Police Department recorded over 1,000 criminal complaints in the two-block area surrounding the ABC store located on West Main Street, including 410 complaints of drunk in public, 276 of disorderly conduct, and 191 of trespass on real property. This year alone, in the two-block area surrounding the store, there were 54 complaints of drunk in public, 46 of disorderly conduct, 43 of trespass, and 17 of shoplifting.  Moreover, the ABC store itself has been the location of 17 complaints of trespass, 14 of shoplifting, 8 of disorderly conduct, and 5 of drunk in public. It also generates incredible amounts of litter, as in the photo.

In October 2014, ABC refused to take reasonable measures requested by local citizens and businesses, including putting a security guard on the premises and implementing new programs to protect the vulnerable populations of the three homeless shelters within walking distance. 

The ABC has also moved ahead with plans to renew the lease on the West Main ABC store, apparently not even considering considerable evidence of business and citizen opposition. 

We believe the West Main ABC store is disruptive to neighborhoods and businesses and the lease should not be renewed.