Rockland Approves 90-Day Liquor License Suspension for The Banner

Board cites safety concerns while Town Administrator presents debt projections showing long-term stability

ROCKLAND - April 1 - The Rockland Select Board unanimously approves a 90-day voluntary suspension of The Banner's liquor license due to ongoing safety concerns and lack of progress on required renovations.

The decision comes after weeks of frustration from town inspectors who report minimal substantive progress toward bringing the historic Union Street building up to code.

"Candidly, there was no substantive progress towards getting this ready to go," Town Counsel John Clifford says. "I think there was a strong feeling in the room that the people that have to do these work and interact with Mr. Barry feel like this license should be revoked."

Despite acknowledging that revocation would be warranted under the circumstances, officials express concern that removing the liquor license would diminish the property's value and reduce the likelihood of necessary rehabilitation.

"Taking the liquor license away from that property diminishes the value and increases the likelihood that it will never be rehabbed or brought up to code the way it should be," Clifford explains.

Attorney Walter Sullivan, representing property owner William Barry, argues that his client has hired plumbers and electricians and is working as the general contractor to address the issues.

"My client took on a property that has been in disrepair for a long, long time, not just under his watch," Sullivan says. "He is motivated because if he doesn't do this, there's no value to that property."

Select Board member Michael O'Loughlin expresses skepticism about the owner's commitment, noting previous missed deadlines.

"I've asked for guarantees in the past. I never have gotten any guarantees that have come to fruition," O'Loughlin says. "I don't want to sit back here, and 89 days from now we're getting, 'Hey, can we get two more months,' because nothing's started yet."

Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Heaney reports that as of 6:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting, the fire department had not received fire alarm plans from Barry, despite this being identified as a priority safety issue.

The fire department continues to fine the property owner $2,000 per day for violations.

The board's action applies only to the liquor license, with all enforcement activities by the building commissioner, Board of Health, and fire department continuing unabated.

As part of the agreement, the board will receive 30-day updates and may revisit the decision if substantial progress is not made.

In other business, Town Administrator Doug Lapp presents debt service projections showing that despite proposed new projects, Rockland's debt load in 10 years will be similar to current levels due to existing debt falling off.

"If all this passes and everybody can make it for 10 more years, you'll see even with everything passing and all these increased taxes because of our other debt falling off the books, we'll literally be at the same debt load we're at right now," Lapp explains.

The presentation includes two charts detailing existing and proposed debt service. The first chart focuses solely on tax-supported debt, showing a gradual decline in existing debt with a steep drop in 2035.

The chart also illustrates how proposed projects – including the South Shore Tech school debt exclusion, a one-year capital outlay for a ladder truck, and a $26.1 million debt exclusion for a fire station – would affect the town's debt service.

A second chart provides a more comprehensive view by including all debt, including self-sustaining enterprise funds like water and sewer that don't impact property taxes.

"This does not translate directly into property taxes because there's a lot of other debt shown here that's paid through other revenue streams," Lapp notes.

The board also addresses several other matters during the meeting:

- The Recreation Department announces plans for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, featuring the theme "Be Kind to Your Mind" with various community programs and resources.

- Jeanne Blaney, Recreation Director, reports on upcoming events including a kids' egg hunt at Hartstuff Park and an adult egg hunt on April 26.

- The board appoints Roksana Cappiella to the Cultural Council after she expresses interest in helping shape cultural opportunities for children in the community.

- Town Administrator Doug Lapp announces that the governor has signed a bill extending the ability for boards and committees to continue having remote and hybrid meetings for two more years.

- The board recognizes Select Board member Donna Shortall at her final meeting, thanking her for her years of service to the town as a Select Board member, Town Clerk, and Treasurer.

- Lapp reminds voters about the upcoming town election on April 12, with early voting beginning April 2 through April 9 at various locations.

"Please go and vote in the next election, because it is so important," Shortall urges in her final comments. "We have 12,000 voters in this town. Please show up."

Full meeting available via WRPS.