PAWTUCKET BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 25, 1998
A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners is held Wednesday, March 25, 1998, at seven forty o’clock p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Pawtucket, RI. All the members are present and Chairman Barry presides.
The reading of the records of March 11, 1998, is dispensed with and the records are approved as prepared by the Clerk.
A Public Hearing is continued from the hearing held February 25, 1998, on the following application for license transfer:
CLASS B (VICTUALER)
Paradise Club LLC d/b/a Paradise Club,, 250 Main Street (Transfer from Gabe’s Sports Pub Inc., previously located at 945-947 Mineral Spring Avenue.
Representing the applicant is Attorney John Sabatini, 716 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI.
Also in attendance is the applicant, Rafael DellaSantos, 40 Wallace St., Providence, Rhode Island.
Mr. Sabatini explains that certain conditions have been met which were raised at the hearing on February 25, 1998. He states that Mr. DellaSantos bought the property and paid all the back taxes in December, 1997.
Mr. Sabatini states that the proposed use will be for a nightclub on the lower level, which will hold approximately 366 people. The hours of operation will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sundays from 7:30 pm - 1:00 am.
The owners assured Commander Kelly that they will engage a police officer for the nightclub. The entertainment will consist of DJ’s and Bands, which will play cultural music for dancing and suitable for families.
The street level use will include a restaurant that will serve lunches and dinners and will seat approximately 109 people. Across from the restaurant will be a jazz/piano bar, which will hold 102 people.
Other businesses, which will lease space on the street level, are jewelry and clothing stores, and a beauty salon.
The owners have met with Todd Olbrych, Building Inspector; and Gordon Duquenoy, Fire Inspector, and it was suggested that they need another way to exit the building; which they will comply with.
The owners have obtained TIPS Certification and they will have all of their employees TIPS certified.
In response to questions regarding the parking situation, Mr. Sabatini states that there are 35 parking spaces available on Park Place and 130 spaces available behind the School Administration Building. The distance from these parking areas is 750’ from the establishment, which is within comfortable walking distance.
Council President Barry asks the applicant if he checked to see if the establishment is within 200’ of a church. President Barry further states that there may be more than one church which falls within the 200’ boundry.
In response to President Barry’s questions regarding meeting with the tenants of Towers East and Northern Plaza, Mr. DellaSantos states that he has not met with the tenants.
Council President Barry states that Mr. Cassidy has raised concerns regarding the use of the parking garage, and this has not been addressed.
Councilor Vieira questions whether one police officer will be sufficient for 500 patrons.
Attorney Sabatini states that Commander Kelley told him that one police officer would be sufficient.
Councilor Hodge questions exiting from the lower level. He states that there is no other way out from the lower level except up the stairs. There is a door exiting into the parking garage and one from the front entrance on Main Street. Councilor Hodge feels this a firetrap.
Councilor Wildenhain agrees that the lower level is a potentially dangerous fire trap.
There are no other speakers.
Hearing is closed.
Upon Motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following application is LAID ON THE TABLE UNTIL APRIL 8, 1998:
CLASS B (VICTUALER)
Paradise Club LLC d/b/Paradise Club, 250 Main Street (Transfer from Gabe’s Sports Pub Inc., previously located at 945-947 Mineral Spring Avenue.) LIC#238
Communication from Lisa Duquenoy, owner of the Benefit Street Pub, 433 1/2 Benefit Street, requesting permission to expand and renovate the business is READ AND ORDERED FILED AND PERMISSION TO RENOVATE IS APPROVED.
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hoyas, the meeting is adjourned at eight ten o’clock p.m.