Attorney: Zoning issues bogging down sale of Hilltop liquor license

SAUGUS – Attorney Michael Rossetti, representing High Country Investors, Inc., owner of Hilltop Steak House, explained that there are still zoning and state-level legislative issues preventing the sale of the company’s All Alcoholic Beverages Common Victualer’s License.”I know you’re in a difficult position because the clock is ticking,” said Vice Chairman Maureen Dever at Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.According to a letter dated June 23 from Clerk Wendy Reed, eight months have passed since Hilltop closed its doors, and four months have passed since Rossetti updated the board on the progress of the sale.Rossetti said that there are currently zoning issues pertaining to the property’s elevation as well as its setback distance from Route 1.”Economic Development is looking at new classes of zoning,” he said.Selectman Stephen Castinetti pointed out that the value of a liquor license should not be “watered down” as a result of the sale process being prolonged. He added that there are still a number of small businesses on Route 1 that need a license to sell alcohol in order to remain competitive.”It’s a narrow road to walk,” said Castinetti.However, Rossetti pointed out that Beacon Hill legislators are working to pass a bill that would allow more liquor licenses, as there are presently not enough to accommodate all the establishments that need them.In other news, Katerina Koudanis of Lynn, organizer of Union Hospital Advocates, and Saugus resident Andrea Donovan were on hand to promote their campaign to stop the closure of Union Hospital in Lynn.Having already received 10,000 petition signatures, as well as support from former State Sen. Richard Tisei and the Lynnfield Board of Selectmen, the two women explained that closing Union Hospital would put significant pressure on other area hospitals to accommodate the residents of Saugus and Lynn.”Thousands of Saugus residents depend on it,” said Donovan. “It’s a great trauma hospital.” She said that Union also offers diabetic clinics as well as yoga and weight management classes.Castinetti explained that accident victims on Route 1 north can be easily transported to Union, whereas traveling to Salem or Melrose/Wakefield hospitals would take much longer as a result of traffic lights and increased congestion.He also questioned whether or not Melrose/Wakefield Hospital has the same capability of caring for trauma patients.”I don’t want to see them take away the hospital,” he said.With the 5-0 passage of Castinetti’s motion to support Union Hospital, Koudanis said that the petition will now go to the governor’s and district attorney’s offices and to the Board of Health.