During a recent three-and-a-half-hour meeting, the Select Board heard about plans for the 2022 Hull PorchFest, considered another Memorial Day street dedication request, and granted three licenses to the Local 02045 restaurant, among other agenda items.
Several neighbors attended the Local 02045 hearing related to the owner’s request to renew the restaurant’s common victualler, seasonal all-alcoholic, and entertainment licenses. Manager Lisa Powers was present.
The board – with Chair Jennifer Constable recusing herself and member Greg Grey absent – approved all three licenses subject to the site plan conditions issued earlier by the Hull Planning Board, “and in particular that the second floor be used only for contracted private event functions until said use is otherwise changed by the Hull Planning Board, at which time the licensee shall file for any needed amendments of its licenses consistent with the conditions set by the Hull Planning Board.”
Different types of entertainment offered could include a DJ, karaoke, piped-in and live music, and a guitar player, along with dancing.
The owner and manager would like to be able to use the second floor as restaurant space, but under earlier permitting, the second floor is restricted to private functions unless the requested change is approved by the Planning Board.
Attorney Jeffrey Tocchio, representing Local 02045, said before the vote that time is of the essence in ironing the details out since the restaurant is seasonal and any delays would cut into the profits.
“The restaurant operator has invested more than $40,000 into the building, which is owned by someone else,” Tocchio said. “Local 02045 serves [great food], employs local youth, and is a good steward of the community. A number of letters of support have been submitted.”
While a few neighbors asked questions, there was minimal related discussion since this was not a public hearing. If the second-floor use changes with Planning Board approval, there will be another Select Board hearing, which would be public.
“It’s all about finding a balance,” Select Board member John Reilly said.
Square to be dedicated to former Police Chief Robert Shannon
* The Select Board approved (with Greg Grey absent) a 2022 memorial street dedication request submitted by Veterans Agent Paul Sordillo, supported by a letter from the War Memorial Commission, to place a sign in honor of Sgt. Major Robert L. Shannon at the corner of B Street and Central Avenue. He served in the USMC from 1937 to 1945 and was Hull’s police chief from 1971 to 1980. He also served on the Hull Housing Authority, Personnel Board, Permanent Sewer Commission, and as a constable. He lived in Hull for more than 60 years.
The Select Board also considered – and approved on a temporary basis until they are finalized – a set of street dedication eligibility criteria proposed by Sordillo.
PorchFest approved for September 17
* The board also approved the tentative date of Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 6 p.m., for Hull PorchFest 2022 – subject to the necessary final approvals by town officials – at Founder and President Tom Hardey’s request. The location would be the same as last year in the Kenberma area, with a possible extension of the footprint. More details will be available at a later date.
