Committee grants 90-day opening extension for Truly—s; approves temporary event premises for Matt—s 101 and Chatterbox block events

The Public Health and Safety Committee on Sept. 15 approved a 90-day extension for Truly—s eatery and bar to open and granted temporary premises extensions for annual block-party events hosted by Matt—s 101 Pub and Chatterbox. Why it matters: approvals allow a newly licensed business additional time to complete remodeling work before opening and permit two established businesses to expand service into the street for one-night community events. On Truly—s: a representative identifying herself as Lee told the committee contractors found more extensive building issues than expected — rotten floors and multiple wallpaper layers — and said work is taking longer than planned. Lee said the owners are hoping to open in October or early November but the schedule remains uncertain. The committee approved a 90-day extension to allow completion of work; Lukens moved and Watson seconded the motion, which carried with no opposition. On the block-party extensions: Matt Brewer, the agent for Matt—s 101 Pub, described the event as its third year, said it had grown and that neighborhood response has been positive. The committee approved a temporary premises extension to allow licensed service in the middle of Elm Street for the joint event; a separate but identical extension was approved for Chatterbox (petitioner Dan Moss), also to permit a one-night block event. Motions to grant both premises extensions were made and seconded by committee members and recorded as passing. The approvals were routine license actions; committee members commended the event organizers for planning and coordination and emphasized public-safety and crowd-management planning. Truly—s and the event organizers will proceed under the terms of their licenses and any conditions set by staff.