Northeast is seeking a total of six liquor licenses.
Leon Dragone PALMER - The town has four liquor licenses available for the Thorndike Street-Shearer Street corridor due to a request made by a Northeast Realty-related venture seven years ago.
They were not used because the development never happened.
The liquor license issue resurfaced recently at a Town Council meeting, as Northeast Realty has asked for six liquor licenses on property it owns around Mohegan Sun's proposed resort casino site off Thorndike Street (Route 32).
License Commission Chairman Richard L. Fitzgerald, the former town manager, said the liquor licenses in question were issued, and designated to be used in the area near the turnpike entrance to Shearer Street.
"To the best of my knowledge, they're still valid," Fitzgerald said.
Leon Dragone, manager of Northeast Realty, said he is waiting for town officials to contact his lawyer, Stephen E. Spelman, about the request. Northeast is leasing 152 acres across from the Massachusetts Turnpike interchange to Mohegan for the proposed resort casino.
Back in 2006, another Northeast-related venture requested the liquor licenses for a 10-acre development next to the Bertera car dealership and at the front of the proposed casino site. Dragone said that project fell by the wayside because Mohegan, during negotiations, wanted the entire 152 acres, including that 10-acre site, for its project.
He said he always envisioned more businesses along that corridor.
Northeast is asking for two liquor licenses for phase 1 of its development project at Thorndike and Shearer streets, and four more liquor licenses as part of phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 would adjoin the casino site and include amenities such as a lifestyle center and shops on 110 acres. Northeast also has under control the former Rondeau icehouse property on Shearer Street.
Executive Assistant Andrew M. Golas said a liquor license also was issued for the icehouse property, but it is exclusive to the former owner and cannot be transferred.
Northeast said phase 1, which is a 20-acre area, will feature a Pride gas station and convenience store, as well as restaurants and a medical office building. This site is next to the turnpike exit. Northeast representatives have dubbed the project "The Gateway to Western Massachusetts" and said the development will happen with or without a casino.
Dragone said it is an exciting time for the region. Mohegan is competing with two other companies - MGM Resorts International in Springfield and Hard Rock International for the lone Western Massachusetts casino license.
"We believe Mohegan has the most compelling proposal," Dragone said.
Fitzgerald said if the casino comes to Palmer, they may want to ask the state Legislature for unlimited liquor licenses. The town currently has 20 liquor licenses in use.