BOS delays action on Centerfield’s alcohol license

Selectmen will review the alcohol license of JNH Hospitality — which had been operating as Centerfield’s in downtown Canton — in 30 days as they await the outcome of pending litigation between Jim Marathas, owner of Centerfield’s, his landlord, and the Forge Pond Condominium Association.

Marathas had asked selectmen for a 12-month extension so that he could look for a new license, sell his business, or take other action depending on the outcome of the litigation.

Centerfield’s has been closed since January 2 and its liquor license is currently inactive. Either way, selectmen must act on the restaurant’s license renewal prior to the end of 2013.

The litigation partly involves the enforcement of parking given to Post Office employees by the condo association, which Marathas claims has so disrupted his business that he was forced to close.

Marathas is claiming that the town, specifically the building commissioner and the zoning board, did not heed his requests for a hearing or zoning permit enforcement. However, Town Administrator Bill Friel, speaking on behalf of the Police Department and Building Commissioner Ed Walsh, said both departments have acted appropriately in response to Marathas’ requests.

Marathas said the restaurant is still in his possession, but selectmen questioned what the court action is concerning the status of the lease.

In other news Tuesday night:

* The DPW has notified selectmen that sidewalk and curb installation and street reconstruction on Jackson Street would begin on or around September 18. Sidewalk installation should take two weeks. The DPW will also begin repaving Shawnlee, Woodlock, Beaumont, and Jackson streets on or around September 26. The repaving will take five days to complete.

* Selectman John Connolly reported that the town has not yet received its state Chapter 90 funds, and plans to repave Pleasant Street from Washington Street to Oak Road have been put on hold.

* The Junction Bar and Grille on Neponset Street has been renamed Carter’s Sports Grill and the new operator is Peter Milano.

* The Chubby Chickpea, a restaurant serving Middle Eastern food, is relocating from 588 Washington Street to 120 Jackson Street, pending the approval of the Fire Department, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Health.

* Selectmen announced promotions for two Canton Police officers. Detective Michael Lank has been promoted to sergeant and Officer Glen Piro has been promoted to detective.

* John Redquest will begin his new duties as sewer foreman prior to October 1.

* Selectmen signed certificates of achievement for Girl Scout Gold Award recipients Samantha Rizzo, Alicia Healey, and Emily Buckley. They also signed a certificate of achievement for Rev. Dr. John Tamillo III, who will be installed as the settled pastor of the United Church of Christ in Canton on Sunday, September 22.

* Republic Services has donated $2,500 to selectmen for the purchase of new benches at Hagan Court.

* Selectmen will next meet on Tuesday, October 1.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Sep 19 2013. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.