Licenses and Permits Committee

City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 22, 2024 6:00 PM The meeting took place virtually via Zoom and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Burnley and adjourned at 6:20 PM on a roll call vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Ewen-Campen, Mbah and Burnley), none against and none absent. Others present: Michael Potere – Licensing Operations Manager, Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk. Roll Call Present: City Councilor At Large Willie Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah and Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen 1. Committee Approval of the Minutes of the Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting of Minutes May 8, 2024. (ID # 24-0653) RESULT: ACCEPTED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Mbah and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 2. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Eat Greek Gyros, 215 Elm St, for (ID # 24-0609) in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 2am. Co-owners Eva Tsiantikos and Roland Leci told the committee that they would like the business to be able to remain open until 2:00 AM as they want to have the opportunity to introduce their new Mediterranean cuisine business to as many people as possible. Formerly, this location housed the restaurant Out of the Blue. Chair Burnley informed the applicants that the approval will not become official until the City Council approves it and the Mayor signs off on it. He cautioned the applicants not to begin business operations until their license is received. RESULT: RECOMMENDED TO BE APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Mbah and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen Page 1 of 3 Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 3. License New Extended Operating Hours License, Papa John's, 622 Somerville Ave, (ID # 24-0635) opening Sun-Thur until 1am, Fri-Sat until 2am for takeout and delivery services. Co-owners Joe Johnson and David Rothman explained that the business is seeking this extension because the demand has shifted to late night hours and they want to be able to better serve the public. They had extended operating hours prior to the pandemic and would like to di it again. Chair Burnley noted that the location is such that it would not create a disturbance to neighbors. Chair Burnley informed the applicants that the approval will not become official until the City Council approves it and the Mayor signs off on it. He cautioned the applicants not to begin extended business operations until their license is received. RESULT: RECOMMENDED TO BE APPROVED AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Mbah and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen 4. License New Garage License, BRE-BMR Assembly Innovation I LLC, 122 (ID # 24-0692) Assembly Park Drive, 306 vehicles inside, 0 vehicles outside for charging money to store vehicles and operating a tow, operating 7 days a week 24 hours. Daniel Wells, the Director of Property Management for BioMed Realty, explained that this garage will support public parking in the Assembly Square area. The garage, at the corner of Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street, is part of the special permit but is only available for 5 Middlesex Avenue. There is a requirement that when the building is complete, additional parking will be opened, with a cap, until the second phase of development, which includes the demolition of 5 Middlesex Avenue and the construction of some additional buildings. This application was delayed due to some lease language, resulting in the company not being able to do business with the public. Mike Rosenberry, the Director Property Manager of the site, was also in attendance. Councilor Ewen-Campen inquired if this garage falls under the city’s policies and Mr. Wells assured the councilor that it does. Chair Burnley asked about pedestrian sensors and Mr. Wells stated that sensors will be operational at the sole entrance/exit to the garage. Chair Burnley informed the applicants that the approval will not become official until the City Council approves it and the Mayor signs off on it. He cautioned the applicants not to begin business operations until their license is received. RESULT: RECOMMENDED TO BE APPROVED Page 2 of 3 Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 AYE: City Councilor At Large Burnley Jr., City Councilor At Large Mbah and Ward Three City Councilor Ewen-Campen Referenced Documents: • Licenses and Permits 2024-05-22 Public Comment (with 24-0609) Page 3 of 3