Corrected and updated Jan. 15, 2010
Time is running out for Harvard’s churches, town boards, and abutters to comment on applications from two town businesses to sell beer and wine for consumption off premises. The applicants are Evelyn Horowitz, owner of the Harvard General Store in town center, and Robert Hirsch, owner of the Harvard Plaza strip mall at 285 Ayer Road.
Town Administrator Tim Bragan confirmed this week that members of the public will not be able to comment on either application when the Board of Selectmen (BOS) resumes its hearing Jan. 19, 2010. Once Chairman Ron Ricci announces the close of the public comment portion of each hearing, as he did on Dec. 15, state regulations prevent him from reopening it, says Bragan.
The opportunity for comment from anyone other than churches or schools within 500 feet of the two sites was closed by the BOS on Dec. 15. Bragan said in a brief interview at his office in Town Hall. Among town churches only the Congregational Church has responded verbally—and favorably—to both applications, added Bragan. His office has received one e-mail each from a resident, the chief of police, and superintendent of schools, all of whom had also given their verbal assent.
Town residents can examine both applications in Bragan’s office in Town Hall during regular business hours.
Editor’s note: This article has been corrected and updated. The original article incorrectly stated that there was still time for written comment from residents regarding liquor license applications. The
opportunity for comment from anyone other than churches or schools was actually closed by the BOS on Dec. 15.
