Lipton Mart on North Street Eyes Alcohol Sales
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lipton Mart on North Street intend to sell alcohol.
It is the first step in what the owners say will be a full renovation of the store. Earlier this week, the Licensing Board approved the sale of an unused beer and wine liquor license — previously owned by Shreeji Krishna LLC, which has since received an all-alcohol license and no longer needs the beer and wine — to Lipton Mart for its North Street location.
Attorney Jeff Lynch told the board that receiving the license is the first step toward a renovation of the store.
"We are intention a minor renovation, or reorganization, of the interior," he said.
Lipton Mart already sells alcohol at its South Street store. Michael Lipton will continue to manage both of those, plus one in Greenfield. His office is based on South Street.
"His location at South Street gives him ready access to the North Street facility as well as his South Street store," Lynch said.
Lynch said a full-scale renovation to the store is anticipated next year. This winter, the company will finalize the plans and start the permitting process. Lynch said the business will be expanded and a full-time manager will be hired dedicated to the North Street location.
The store is located directly next to A-Mart, which was recently sold and already has a liquor license. Attorney Matthew Porter, who represents A-Mart, said he wouldn't object to the license because of competition, but did pose the question on whether the public needs another license in the same area.
In other business, Holly Magri is hoping to re-open the Elbow Room. But, she will need at least a few more months. Her father, Bruce Mendel, founded the eatery in 1977 and died last year.
"He passed away before he could do all of the paperwork," Magri said of her father. "Until it is in my name, it is difficult to run a business."
She said she closed the business on July 1 and is waiting until the estate is sorted out. She hopes to have it up and running again early next year. She plans to keep up with license renewals until she can re-open.
"I would think it would be similar to what it always was but I have not narrowed down to a definite plan," Magri told the Licensing Board.
Also on Monday, Fire Inspector Randy Stein reported that issues with vehicles parked at Newell Street Transmission are close to a resolution. Owner Robert Gaylord has created a new parking plan and has been moving vehicles around to comply with Stein's orders. Gaylord had been cited for a violation because vehicles had been blocking access to the building in the rear.
"I do have a plan for getting things cleaned up to be completely in compliance," Gaylord said.
Stein said the back lot, which he called the "dead zone" had to be cleaned. That area was used for vehicles awaiting sale or vehicles being held until the owners can pay bills.
"I have been going back periodically over the last two months to see if there was progress," Stein said.
However, a neighbor accused Gaylord of causing a traffic hazard by bringing cars for sale out on the road for better exposure. He asked Stein and the Licensing Board to keep an eye on the use of dealer plates and what vehicles are being placed on the roadside.
Tags: convenience store, licensing board, liquor license,
