Commission continues three Section 77 final hearings for further updates

The Springfield Board of License Commissioners continued three Section 77 final hearings on March 26 to give applicants time to resolve pending issues and complete renovations.

P2B Springfield LLC, doing business as The Place to Be at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, represented by manager Gina Louari, was continued to an April meeting after applicants said they expected to finalize an agreement with the Hall of Fame and hoped to reopen in May. The commission set a follow-up hearing for April 23, 2025 (the commission discussed April meeting dates during the exchange) and directed the applicant to return with a status update; commissioners noted outstanding violation matters from a prior enforcement action would be addressed when the establishment reopens.

Evenshare Inc., doing business as Panache Banquet Hall, 827 State Street, told the commission renovations are ongoing and that the proposed manager, Bernard Hoston, suffered a recent stroke that has affected his speech; the petitioner said it expects to secure loan financing before reopening. The commission continued that final hearing to August 27, 2025, to allow time for financing and renovation work, while noting the petitioner may ask to be placed on the agenda earlier if ready.

Blaze Restaurant, Inc., doing business as Island Blaze Restaurant, 708 Main Street, appeared by counsel who said the space is renovated and ready but the opening is delayed because Eversource has not yet installed an upgraded gas line; counsel said the applicant is near the top of the utility’s spring list. Commissioners continued the hearing and scheduled a check-in for June 11, 2025, with the instruction that the applicant may request an earlier placement on the agenda if the gas connection is completed sooner.