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Fall River ZBA tables proposal for seasonal ‘Tiki Bar’ at O'Connell boatyard amid parking and privacy concerns
Summary
The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals on April 17 tabled a special-permit petition by the owners of O'Connell boatyard to operate a seasonal outdoor entertainment venue and alcohol service, citing unclear application details, parking and emergency-access concerns and unresolved abutter objections.
Joseph Ferreira, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for Fall River, presided over a public hearing on April 17 on a petition from the owners of O'Connell Boat Yard at 284 River Street seeking a special permit to operate a seasonal outdoor entertainment venue, with food trucks and alcohol service, in the boatyard's yard.
Attorney Jeffrey Maderas presented the petition on behalf of the applicant and described the proposal as a seasonal “bar and entertainment” use running when boats are in the water (he said the applicant proposed June 1 through Oct. 1). Maderas said food would be provided by contracted food trucks and the alcohol service model was intended to follow the ordinance category for bars by special permit, because the venue would not be a fixed restaurant structure.
The petition drew detailed questioning from board members and city staff about which specific zoning use category applied (bar, restaurant, commercial recreational…
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