BUFFALO, N.Y. — For more than 50 years, Gigi's restaurant served up soul food as an institution in the neighborhood around East Ferry St. and Jefferson Avenue on Buffalo's East Side. A fire in 2015 forced the restaurant to close and there is a new owner of the building, but many in the community aren't happy with his plans to open a liquor store.

"I think it's one of the worst things that we could have over the negativity that comes with it," said resident Billy Brown.

Former Erie County legislator and mayoral candidate Betty Jean Grant is among the vocal crowd opposing the idea.

"It brings in a crowd that we're trying to improve," Grant said. "It brings in those who have addiction problems. It brings in those who are young that want to drink."

Opponents point out there is another liquor store down the street, less than half a mile away. The former Gigi's building is near schools, daycare centers and churches. Many neighbors along with business and religious leaders have signed a petition and written letters to show they're upset with the potential for another place that sells booze.

"There was not one moment that we did not hear about the disdain or the opposition in the community for that location in particular," Masten District Councilman Ulysees Wingo said.

After hearing concerns of people in his district, Wingo sent a letter to the New York State Liquor Authority in opposition after the owner applied for a license to open a liquor store. State legislators Tim Kennedy and Crystal Peoples-Stokes also asked the authority to deny the request.

On Wednesday, Wingo met with the building's owner, Tsegai Mesfin, who told the councilman he still plans to move forward with the store if the state gives the OK.

"He has every right to open up whatever business he'd like within the legal confines of the law," Wingo said. "However, you do have to consider what the community is saying about your proposed business in the community that they live in."

The State Liquor Authority has yet to make a decision, but it will consider community input when deciding whether to grant a license. 

As for the original owners of Gigi's restaurant, they plan to reopen in a new location nearby at the Northland Workforce Training Center.