License commission approves 51 arcade-device licenses for Hometown Arcade at Thorns Marketplace

The Northampton City License Commission unanimously approved an entertainment license and 51 automatic amusement-device licenses on a motion by Commissioner Jennifer at a brief, Zoom-only meeting. The licenses cover Harvey's 1 Up Arcade LLC, doing business as Hometown Arcade, at 150 Main Street, Suite 40 in the Thorns Marketplace.

Attorney Dennis Quilty, representing the applicant, told commissioners the applicant submitted a floor plan and a list of 51 devices and that an Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission investigator has been assigned to the application. "We're hoping to open this Friday," a restaurant/arcade representative said. Quilty said Matt will serve as the manager for both the amusement-device and the pending alcohol license.

Commissioner Jennifer said the paperwork was complete, then moved to approve the license application as detailed in agenda item three; an unidentified commissioner seconded. The commission voted in favor: Commissioner Natasha Yakovlev, yes; Commissioner Jennifer, yes; and Commissioner Amy Kalane, yes. After the vote, commissioners traded light remarks about the game selection — one commissioner said, "I can't wait to play Donkey Kong" — and a commissioner offered to help arrange a ribbon-cutting with the mayor.

The commission recorded no public comments on the item and had no further questions. The applicant confirmed that Matt would follow up with the office about logistics and event coordination. The meeting adjourned after approximately six minutes.

What happens next The licenses approved by the commission allow non-live, amplified background music and up to 51 automatic amusement devices at the proposed location; state-level review by the ABCC remains an open step. The applicant indicated an intention to open as soon as local approvals are complete and will coordinate a ribbon-cutting if desired.