Saugus board aims to resolve license case

SAUGUS – The Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 to give Pamela Avedisian, owner of the property at 60 Salem Turnpike, one more chance to appear for a show cause hearing before taking action on her liquor license.Avedisian and her representatives have failed to appear for the last two show cause hearings, and the board voted to continue the hearing to Monday before a new board is elected on Tuesday.?We need to dispose of this either tonight or next Monday,” said selectman Stephen Horlick. “Because when the board has new members on Tuesday, those members are not privy to the beginning of the case, meaning we?d have to start all over again. I feel we have enough to do it tonight.”Avedisian purchased the property, which is the site of the old Atlantic Lobster Co., more than two years ago with the intent of opening a function hall and restaurant. But a series of fires and environmental issues put those plans on hold.The Board of Selectmen already revoked the liquor license for non-use and Avedisian is in the process of appealing that decision to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Wednesday?s hearing was a continuation of a show cause hearing looking into possible undisclosed ownership.?To me there?s no harm in going to next week,” said selectman Scott Crabtree. “It gives us another layer of paper trail to present to a judge or the ABCC.”In a letter to the board dated Oct. 6, Avedisian?s attorney, Steven Miller, withdrew his counsel and requested 21 days for her to find a replacement.Special Town Counsel Ira Zaleznick said Avedisian has had more then enough time to find a replacement.?I think the failure of (anyone) to appear, either herself, or her representative, casts significant doubt on whether or not they have interest in this procedure,” said Zaleznick. “I?m glad the board is giving three strikes before declaring them out, but I don?t think it?s absolutely essential and the board has given fair opportunity.”The board will hold its final meeting on Monday at 7 p.m.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter @MattTempesta.