Tenoch Mexican opening blocked by city

[keithn.livejournal.com]

The City of Somerville, in their ongoing quest to turn Davis Square into a cluster of abandoned, crumbling buildings, is holding up the opening of Tenoch Mexican, acording to Tenoch's website:

UPDATE: At the June 15, 2015 Somerville City Council meeting, Tenoch was not approved to open our new location at 382 Highland Ave in Davis Square. Come show your support for Tenoch at an informational meeting on Monday, July 13 from 6:30-7:30 at the future Tenoch location at 382 Highland Ave., or at the next Somerville hearing on Monday, July 20 at 6 pm at Town Hall, when we are on the docket again. Help us get our new place up and running and satisfy your torta craving in Davis Square!

From the City's records, this was what was considered by the Licensing Commission on June 15:

Tenoch Mexican Food Corporation d/b/a Tenoch Mexican, 382 Highland Ave. requesting approval for a Wine & Malt 7 Day Restaurant License, a Common Victualler License, an Entertainment License consisting of Entertainment by Performers and Devises and an Alteration of Premises

Comments

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

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[frotz.livejournal.com]

Any report on what was found objectionable? The Licensing Commission doesn't ever seem to post minutes, though the meetings are public.

[fangirl715.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know why the City would reject it? Was any explanation or excuse given? Is it the business as a whole that they don't like, or do they not want to give out one of their precious liquor licenses?

[ron_newman]

Does the Board of Aldermen vote on these? (We don't have a City Council.) I thought the Licensing Commission made these decisions.

If Tenoch is on the docket again next meeting, I wonder if there is just some paperwork issue that required postponing the vote.

[jlauspitz.livejournal.com]

There is a limited number city-wide of cheap wine and beer licensesauthorized by a special act of the legislature . These differ from a full liquor license in that they revert to the City when the restaurant closes. There are several reasons to scrutinize a 7-day license on the corner of Cutter and Highland: it borders residential properties, there is a decades-long history of neighborhood nuisance at that spot, there may be other, worthier establishments elsewhere in Davis (Peppe Boca?) and the City at large, there are already three Mexican restaurants in Davis Square, plus others at Powderhouse and Porter and (soon to open) Ball Squares, so that there is no unique contribution that would justify jumping the queue. The knee-jerk reaction that the Licensing Board is overly restrictive is poorly informed-- they have in fact been cautiously permissive in granting licenses and late hours.

[katherine fiorello (from livejournal.com)]

We live 3 houses down (& have lived in this area for 9 years & Somerville for 14 yrs) with two babies and are actually totally BUMMED that this place has been delayed in opening. We think they'd be a great asset to the neighborhood, would love some tortas w./ a glass of wine & some music! We were psyched to see them potentially go in to Kick Ass' spot & then M3's spot. I am BEYOND tired & annoyed of these potentially amazing stores, restaurants spaces laying vacant & becoming decrepit blown out buildings. It's ridiculous & does not bring commerce to this area. It's such a humongous waste. I'm aggravated about Roche Brothers not moving in & now issues with Tenoch. We chosen to live in this neighborhood for 14 yrs because of the hope we've had in making this place our home. I've gone to many evening neighborhood meetings to show my support when my hub can get home from work to watch the kids & hopefully will do the same. I'm sooo hoping there will be loads of supporters there with me.

[ron_newman]

Last night's meeting was low-key and friendly and had delicious food samples. I don't think they'll have any trouble getting their licenses next week.