By Kelsey Palmer
news@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Just days after the Rusk City Council approved allowing variances for alcohol sales, there is already opposition to one convenience store’s variance application.
The owners of Runnin’ Rudy’s applied Wednesday for a variance to the city’s newly adopted distance regulations — which mandate there be 300 feet between the property lines of a school campus and any establishment wanting to sell beer or wine.
They were denied. The lot where Runnin’ Rudy’s is located is adjacent to Rusk Elementary School.
“In order to stay competitive, I need to get my applications in to the state at the same time as other locations,” store owner Jody Brown told councilmembers during a special meeting held last month. “The permit process generally takes eight to 10 weeks and then you add on additional time to get a variance. That potential lag results in a loss of sales.”
During Wednesday’s meeting, Rusk Independent School District Superintendent Dr. James Largent expressed concern in a letter to the council about allowing variances in general.
“Our city is going through a new period,” Largent told the Daily Progress after Wednesday’s meeting. “What precedence are we setting for the future (by allowing variances)? If the council says ‘yes’ now, how can it say ‘no’ to another business later on?”
Rusk Elementary School Principal Jan Evans, RISD Finance Director Lesa Jones and RISD Trustee Frances Long attended Wednesday’s meeting in support of Largent’s opinion.
In related business, the council, upon further research learned a variance requested by Brookshire Brothers grocery store was not needed.
“I know the school board and the council are wrestling with this issue,” City Manager Mike Murray said Thursday. “And, they are trying to make the best descision for the community.”
