The fate of a controversial Starbucks proposed for South Boston is expected to be decided today after the company appealed a license rejection from earlier this year.

“We’ve had a good opportunity over the past three months to go back into the neighborhood,” said Curt Bletzer, an attorney representing Starbucks. “The issue of a corporate giant coming in couldn’t be further from the truth.”

The Starbucks, proposed for 749 East Broadway, drew both spirited support and opposition from Southie residents at a License Commission hearing yesterday.

Supporters said the Seattle-based chain would offer a place that doesn’t serve alcohol to meet and do work.

“There have been few, if any, options for a working environment,” said Brent Grinna, chief executive of EverTrue and a South Boston resident.

But opponents said bringing in a national chain would raise rents and cut into the business of local coffee shops.

“A lot of people come into our community with a sense of loving how much it’s a hometown,” said Marissa Walsh, who runs a cafe. “Adding a Starbucks is going to increase the rents and drive out businesses.”

Still, the most powerful opinion came through in two quietly delivered sentences.

“Due to public concerns expressed at two meetings that still haven’t been addressed, we are opposed to a Starbucks in this location,” said John Allison, Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s neighborhood liaison for South Boston. “These include trash, traffic and deliveries in an already congested intersection with several bus lines and heavy vehicle traffic.”

The commission, which is made up of three members all appointed by Walsh, is expected to release its decision this afternoon.