Red Rock owners in hot water over demolition

SWAMPSCOTT – Town officials said Red Rock Bistro owners could face possible litigation or fines for demolishing the entire restaurant, allegedly without the proper permits.Town Planner Brian Szekely explained that the owners did not complete a demolition hearing before taking the building down last month. Town bylaws require such a hearing for structures that have portions more than 75 years old. Red Rock?s owners were authorized to demolish three walls but not a total demolition.?They did not insinuate the whole building would be coming down,” said Szekely.The Historical Commission was to hold a closed session in a meeting Tuesday “to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and/or filing of criminal complaints” in regard to the situation. Such sessions are allowed under the state?s open meeting law.Town officials said the owners also skipped a step with the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board issued permission for the renovation with the intention that the bar and kitchen would stay intact, but Szekely said both areas had to come down because owners found that they would not support the planned rooftop deck. The owners are due before the appeals board at its meeting May 21.Either Swampscott?s building inspector or the commission has the power to fine, but Szekely said for the town it?s a matter of setting a precedent.?Someone can?t just come in and ask for permission to do something, we say no, and they do it anyway,” said Szekely. “It?s not looked on highly by the town.”