BUFFALO, N.Y. — The new owner of Gigi's restaurant will not pursue his plans to open a liquor store at the East Ferry Street location. 

The original owners of the building were forced to close the restaurant after a fire in 2015. They've since announced a move to a new location in the Northland Corridor. 

The building's new owner, Tsegai Mesfin, applied for a liquor license to open a liquor store, something that left community members displeased.

"The community wants to see a business or a productive use of that property," said State Senator Tim Kennedy. "The community spoke loudly and clearly that a liquor store at that former site was not in the best interest of the neighborhood."

Kennedy announced Tuesday that Mesfin withdrew his application to the State Liquor Authority to the delight of local activists who argued that there were plenty of liquor stores in the area already.

"If the people hadn't gotten together and spoken out against it, there probably would have been a liquor store going up right now, but because people got together and spoke out with one voice, so many of us, shut that down," said community activist Nate Boyd.

Buffalo Common Councilmember Ulysees Wingo hosted a community meeting last month where State Liquor Authority Deputy Commissioner David Edmunds, Jr. told residents about the licensing process and where they could send complaints.

Residents say they have nothing against Mesfin, but just want to see a better use for the building.

“As community persons and business owners and those of us who do the Lord’s work, we don’t want to hurt anybody per se, but we don’t want anyone coming into our communities and hurting us as well,” said Rev. C.M. Jenkins of Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Wingo says he’s kept in constant communication with Mesfin and released the following statement:

“I regret not being able to make the press conference but I am happy to concur that Mr. Mesfin has withdrawn his liquor license application after many discussions we’ve had regarding alternative uses for that property. This is a victory for the community and we look forward to informing the community on future plans we’ve discussed for that building.”