ORANGE PARK — Many arrived at Thursday's Planning and Zoning meeting expecting to fight on what they believed was a dreaded business proposal for Park Avenue.

Situated within 300-to-500 feet of their homes, some residents said it was mind-boggling to think about what the future could hold. But they were met with shock when they learned the applicant had withdrawn their application.

During the July 9 meeting, it was revealed a proposal to open a liquor store at 1345 Park Ave. would be scrapped. Board members voted 4-0 to accept the withdrawal.

If approved, the proposal would've transformed the former Lending Bear into a 2,646-square-foot drive-thru store. Residents expressed their opposition to the project, citing safety concerns. The location could bring increased traffic congestion and noise, while more alcohol, they added, could proliferate crime. 

With businesses nearby, including a childcare facility and a women's recovery home, residents also called for stricter regulations to prevent "intrusive" businesses, like the liquor store, from impacting the area.

Director of Economic and Community Development Stephen Smith said the applicants fell back due to an incorrect liquor store survey they had initially submitted.

"It did not show that there was another establishment that sells alcoholic beverages within 500 feet of the property," Smith said. "So, because of that omission on their survey, that created a situation where staff certainly can't recommend approval of it."

Board Chair Paul Bement said the application would've have been denied anyway due to that specific code being missed.

Several residents spoke on their contentment. Many pointed to the liquor store's lack of benefit to the town.

"Research consistently shows that as communities become more saturated with l liquor stores, these alcohol related harms increase along with that," said Mat Pace, executive pastor at Springs Church. "Even though this is supported by peer review research, I believe it's also common sense."

Resident Joseph De Marco also urged for better notification ahead of time, allowing the community the ability to participate in the review process in a meaningful way. Although notices of a public hearing for the project were mailed to all residents within 300 feet of the property, and signs were posted at least 15 days in advance, De Marco said there was still a lack of clear and visible public awareness on the potential project.

Worries were still rampant about future similar applications making the cut. Even after the denial, Town Attorney Lawsikia Hodges noted that after one year, the applicant would be able to reapply. 

In order to prevent this and change the zoning code altogether, many residents said the next step will be to take the matter to town council.