Adams Filing Injunctions Against Two Businesses for Incomplete License Work
ADAMS, Mass. — The town is in the process of filing injunctions against two businesses that have not completed its licensing process.
The Board of Selectmen met on Wednesday to review a few final licenses, ultimately voting unanimously to begin the injunction process for Mount Royal Inn and McDonalds. The board is still waiting on a final inspection for Mount Royal Inn, which it discussed extensively at its last meeting and are also waiting on renewal paperwork and payment of taxes from McDonald's.
"We act as the town's licensing board. I just don't understand how we can go forward this evening with not starting the injunction process," said board Chair John Duval, noting that this work should have been done prior to the start of the new year.
Attorney Jeff Grandchamp, who attended the meeting representing Mount Royal Inn, asked for an extension on behalf of owner Syed Bokhari. He said Bokhari is on vacation and currently out of the country.
"He requested the opportunity to be present when the inspection occurred with [Building Commissioner Gerald] Garner and [Fire Chief John] Pansecchi," he said, noting that he would inform Bokhari of the board's decision.
Town Administrator Jay Green said Administrative Assistant Bri Hantman has been unable to contact the owners of McDonalds, despite several attempts and a certified letter. Town Counsel Edmund St. John III said the letter had been signed for and received.
"We're kind of befuddled as to what more to do for a business operating in our town," Green said.
Selectman Howard Rosenberg said he felt uncomfortable with the businesses remaining open without a license.
"Mr. Bokhari did not offer a good explanation why, for four years in a row, he hasn't acted in a timely way," he said. "It puts the town in a precarious position. And I think we should discuss how long we let this go on until we really have a disaster on our hands."
Selectman Joseph Nowak said he has concerns for those staying at the inn from Louison House. The inn has an agreement with Louison House, which provides transitional housing for the homeless, to provide temporary housing.
"As we know, they're in a contract with the Louison House. And I worry about people that are homeless. If they're shut down, and the Lousion house is at capacity, where do these people go?," he said.
In other business:
Resident Pam Sherman came before the board to discuss issues with contracting work on her house. She took issue with the quality and timeliness of the work.
"I just wanted good work done in a timely fashion," she said. "I was looking forward to my home and getting this part of it done, and it's been nothing but a nightmare."
Sherman's housework, according to Green, is part of the town's housing rehabilitation program funded by the Community Development Block Grant. Green and St. John are working with Sherman for a suitable resolution to the problem.
"There's about $7,000 of work left within the initial scope that was put together for Miss Sherman's house, and the intent is to attempt to find one more contractor to complete the $7,000 worth of work so Ms. Sherman's work is completed," Green said.
The board plans to discuss the issue again at its second meeting in February.
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