Exhibit M
Yeslam Haimed
2717
N.
Hughes
Ave
Fresno,
CA,
93705
559-940-2168
February,
15,
2025
Jennifer K. Clark, AICP, Director
Planning
and
Development
Department
Subject: Appeal of Conditional Use Permit Denial – Application No. P24-01344 Dear Director Clark,
I am writing to formally appeal the denial of Conditional Use Permit Application No. P24-01344, which
seeks
authorization
for
a
State
of
California
Alcoholic
Beverage
Control
Type
20 license
at
our
existing
business,
A’s
Family
Market.
I
respectfully
request
reconsideration
of
this
decision
based
on
the
following
points:
1. Prior Approval from Council District 1 Project Review Committee Earlier
this
year,
our
application
was
reviewed
and
approved
by
the
Council
District
1 Project
Review
Committee
with
no
objections.
This
approval
demonstrates
that
local
stakeholders
recognize
the
legitimacy
of
our
request
and
support
our
responsible
business
operations.
2. Distinction from Previous License Revocation
The
license
we
are
applying
for
is
entirely
separate
from
the
one
previously
revoked
under
a
different
owner.
The
prior
business
owner,
Joseph
Mada,
lived
in
Ventura
and
did
not
actively
manage
the
business,
leaving
operations
in
the
hands
of
an
inexperienced
employee.
As
a
result,
the
previous
license
was
not
renewed
and
subsequently
revoked.
It
is
important
to
note
that
prior
to
1990,
the
business
held
a
valid
liquor
license
without
issue.
Given
the
changes
in
ownership,
management,
and
oversight,
our
application
should
be
evaluated
independently
of
past
circumstances.
3. Commitment to the Community
As
a
local
business
owner
and
resident
of
the
district,
I
am
fully
invested
in
fostering
a
safe
and
thriving
community.
Unlike
the
previous
ownership,
I
personally
manage
and
oversee
daily
operations,
ensuring
compliance
with
all
regulations
and
maintaining
a
responsible
business
environment.
Our
goal
is
to
provide
essential
services
while
upholding
the
highest
standards
of
safety
and
accountability.
4. Support for Local Economic Growth
The
property
owner
has
plans
to
expand
the
business
by
developing
three
additional
storefronts
on
the
northern
lot,
which
will
create
new
job
opportunities
and
contribute
to
the
local
economy.
However,
if
the
current
tenant
is
forced
to
vacate
due
to
the
denial
of
this permit, these plans—and the economic benefits they bring—will be jeopardized. A’s Family
Market
currently
employs
two
butchers,
two
cashiers,
and
a
floor
attendant,
all
of
whom
contribute
to
the
community’s
workforce.
5. Essential Grocery Services
A’s
Family
Market
serves
as
a
vital
resource
for
the
surrounding
residents,
including
the
nearby
apartment
complex.
Without
this
establishment,
access
to
fresh
groceries
and
household
necessities
would
be
significantly
reduced,
negatively
impacting
local
families
who
rely
on
us
for
their
daily
needs.
6. Significant Financial Investment in Compliance
To
meet
all
regulatory
requirements,
we
have
already
invested
$14,000
in
application
fees
and
related
compliance
costs.
This
demonstrates
our
serious
commitment
to
operating
responsibly
and
in
accordance
with
all
applicable
laws.
7. Limited Alcohol Sales and Responsible Business Model We
are
not
requesting
a
license
for
hard
liquor.
The
Type
20 license
we
are
applying
for
permits
only
the
sale
of
beer
and
wine,
which
distinguishes
us
from
liquor
stores
and
reduces
the
likelihood
of
public
disturbances
associated
with
higher-proof
spirits.
Additionally,
our
business
is
a
full-service
market
with
a
dedicated
meat
department,
where
beer
and
wine
sales
are
a
supplementary
aspect
rather
than
the
primary
focus.
8. Addressing Crime Concerns
While
the
police
department
has
designated
the
area
as
high-crime,
our
business
does
not
contribute
to
these
issues.
On
the
contrary,
maintaining
an
active,
well-lit,
and
monitored
establishment
helps
deter
criminal
activity.
A
vacant
storefront
is
far
more
likely
to
attract
vagrancy
and
unlawful
behavior.
Our
current
security
measures
include
32 surveillance
cameras
(inside
and
outside)
and
LED
lighting
to
enhance
safety.
9. Rebuttal to Overconcentration Concerns
While
the
denial
letter
cites
concerns
about
an
overconcentration
of
alcohol
licenses
in
the
area,
we
respectfully
request
that
our
business
be
considered
an
exception
for
the
following
reasons:
○ Public Convenience & Necessity: A’s Family Market provides essential groceries
and
household
goods,
fulfilling
a
need
that
other
businesses
may
not
address.
The
nearby
apartment
complex
has
direct
pedestrian
access
to
our
store,
making
it
a
convenient
and
necessary
resource
for
residents.
○ Crime Prevention & Safety Measures: In addition to our extensive security measures,
we
are
committed
to
limited
alcohol
sale
hours
and
ongoing
collaboration
with
local
authorities
to
ensure
public
safety
and
regulatory
compliance.
While we acknowledge the concerns outlined in the denial letter, we strongly believe that A’s Family
Market
will
operate
responsibly
and
serve
as
a
positive
presence
in
the
community.
We
are
open
to
additional
discussions
or
conditions
that
may
help
alleviate
concerns
and
ensure
the
responsible
sale
of
beer
and
wine.
I appreciate your time and consideration and respectfully request a reconsideration of our application.
Please
feel
free
to
reach
out
if
further
information
is
required.
I
look
forward
to
your
response.
Sincerely,
Yeslam Haimed
A’s
Family
Market