Space offered for biz owners displaced by Swampscott blaze

SWAMPSCOTT – A local businessman has offered free temporary commercial space to the businesses affected by the March 2 fire.Charlie Patsios, the developer who constructed Ocean Watch Condominiums and owns several other properties in town, said he will allow the businesses to use up to 3,000 square feet of commercial space at 460 Humphrey St., next to Fishermen’s Crossing. He said that he will not charge rent or utilities and that the businesses “can stay as long as they take to find a permanent place to be in business.”The announcement was made at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting where Patsios was seeking to transfer a license for a used-car business to operate at the same location. He said that whether or not the board granted his request (which they did) had no impact on his decision, however. He said he was inspired by the town’s response to the devastating fire.”I felt that this is the time when we are breaking the stereotype that we’re anti-business,” Patsios said, praising the Town of Swampscott and its leaders. “This town has had a stigma that has been erased in the actions that have been shown, not talked about by its leaders and citizens. It reflects the true colors of Swampscott.”Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leslie Gould said that several representatives of the businesses affected by the blaze were overwhelmed by the news. Combined with her news that a new fund was established to support the businesses (a fund for those who lost their residences in the fire just extended its deadline due to community support) some business owners were “in tears.””Everyone has rallied around the businesses and we hope to continue to help,” said Gould. I’m glad that the Chamber of Commerce could make this type of an impact in the wake of a devastating situation.”She also credited Lizete Alcalai of Sagan Realtors in Swampscott for finding the space. At a brainstorming meeting last Thursday that gathered the business owners with town officials and business advisors, Alcalai suggested the idea of finding a temporary commercial space that the businesses could share. This Thursday the meeting will reconvene and Patsios will be available to answer questions about how to accommodate the businesses’ individual needs, Gould said. He said that the space should be available Friday, but acknowledged that the businesses will first need to get all the necessary permits. Patsios said he was confident that the town would be able to expedite the process.But Patsios and Gould both acknowledged that there are details to be worked out. The building proposed does not have food preparation facilities, which may mean another solution is required for the Sea Side Cafe. Furthermore, not all of the businesses have indicated what size space they need.Board of Selectmen Chair Jill Sullivan said that she couldn’t comment on the specific proposal but supported the concept of the shared commercial space. “I think it’s a fabulous opportunity if it can work out,” Sullivan said. “But most importantly, it’s great to see that citizens of all stripes – whether they’re donating a $20 gift card or commercial space – are helping out. Just that Patsios came forward to do it is what Swampscott’s about.”In other business, the board was presented with the first draft of the Town Meeting warrant, which includes two articles addressing the proposal to construct a new police station. But both depend on the result of a $3.35 million debt-exclusion override to fund the station’s construction.If the override passes, Town Meeting will address the same article from last year that seeks to fund the $6 million building project. If the override fails, the annual budget establishes a Capital Stabilization Improvement Fund. The town could transfer money in this fund that supports general operations and apply them to the construction costs. The selectmen will vote on which articles to place on the official town warrant and whether they support these articles, at a