North Adams Taverns Planning Moves
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The Planning Board on Monday night approved an application to move the Artery Lounge but continued a hearing on the Crystal Hard Hat Saloon.
Nancy and Todd Hebert are planning to renovate the former Quinn's Paint and Wallpaper on Union and Canal streets and move the Crystal Hard Hat Saloon there from its current location just down Union Street.
The Heberts said they have a purchase-and-sales agreement on the building at 55-59 Union St. and have taken out a $40,000 to renovate the interior.
"We've been paying rent to Rusty Ransford. I've been putting money into his building ... ," Todd Hebert told the board, as Nancy Hebert added "We'd like to put it into our own building."
The Heberts have owned the tavern for three years and Todd Hebert said he has worked hard to clean up the current property as well as the clientele.
The Heberts' plan, drawn up an architect, includes a "cold" kitchen, two pool tables and space for up to 99. It would occupy the main portion of the building on the corner of Union and Canal. The second story and an addition on Canal Street would be used for storage for the time being.
But while the couple were commended for their complete and professional application, the Office of Community Development recommended a site visit. Member Paul Senecal questioned the parking situation and expressed concern over parking along Canal Street.
Todd Hebert said the building has paved parking for eight off Canal Street and he had leased 12 spots "indefinitely" across the street near the former Barber Leather Co. from Ransford.
The board, however, continued the hearing until its December meeting and referred the parking issue to the Traffic Commission. A site visit also is planned.
In contrast, Daniel O'Neil was swiftly approved a special permit to relocate the Artery Lounge from its Holden Street location to the former Ace's Place at 68 Union St. The only conditions were that the Budwieser sign and its brackets from Ace's be removed. Parking was not raised as an issue, although the new location is almost directly across from where the Crystal Hard Hat's plans to move.
An application from Core States Group at 148 Eagle St. to update signage was continued at the applicant's request and a sign for Berkshire Realty at 26 Roberts Drive was approved.
