SAUGUS — The second round of applications for an arcade and bar at the Square One Mall was struck down when the police chief voiced concerns.
California-based Round One Entertainment was seeking a special permit to put an arcade on the second floor of Sears at the Square One Mall, and a liquor license transfer to serve beer and wine.
“I feel this is going to put a drain on my department,” said Saugus police chief Domenic DiMella. “I worry about the alcohol. Number one, I worry about the crowds of people hanging out in the parking lot. I don’t see how I could negotiate the potential problems or the drain on my department.”
Security guards are not trained to handle the situations they would likely be facing, and Saugus police would be called in, said DiMella, who added that he spoke to the chief in Lynnfield, where King’s Bowling is located, and the department is experiencing a strain.
In addition, the Taunton location was cited in September 2016 for serving alcohol to a minor, DiMella said.
“I have to support the chief’s beliefs,” said selectman Jeff Cicolini. “We’ve had enough issues at the Square One Mall. I can’t support something that will put an additional strain on the police department and the neighborhood.”
The initial proposal was made in July, and later withdrawn in August when board members said they didn’t feel comfortable supporting the application as it was presented. Allowing alcohol at a place that would appeal to children, and the mall’s history of crime were listed as major concerns, and a special permit requires a four-fifths votes.
It was brought before the board again on Wednesday night.
Plans for the family entertainment center included 300 arcade games, 14 bowling lanes, eight billiard tables, four karaoke rooms, two ping pong tables, and two dart machines. Beer, wine, and food would have been served.
Residents voiced concerns about the project since the beginning, citing a high crime rate at the mall and the mix of arcade games and alcohol.
Chairwoman Debra Panetta said the town’s building inspector wrote a letter stating he had concerns about parking.
A team of attorneys representing the business, a chain that started in Japan with more than 100 stores, presented changes made to the business plan to try to meet some of the concerns, including an earlier closing time at 1 a.m. rather than 2 a.m. The team created a lockdown and lost child procedure, agreed to add additional surveillance cameras and make the footage available to the Saugus Police, and identification would be required for anyone using the billiards tables.
“We already have shoplifters crossing through our yard and people in the parking lot at night,” said resident Rawda Hamden. “We have a great police department in Saugus. They’re always there to help. But, I do think it will be too much. It’s already too much.”
Attorney John Connell called it a missed opportunity.
“Right now, my client is pursuing all options, including an appeal,” said Connell. “Malls are in distress. This was a great opportunity to bring families to the mall.”
