The Board of License Commissioners for the City of Framingham approved renewal slates for multiple license categories during a remote meeting on Dec. 30, 2024, and heard from Sal Malone, owner of Railroad 6, about renovations and a planned reopening.

Chair Stewart Polagy opened the meeting and asked for motions on the slate of renewals. Commissioner Joseph Scermiolo moved to approve the in-holder list “conditional upon payment of all taxes and fees and approval of all city departments,” a motion the board approved by roll call, 4–0 with one member absent. Similar conditional approvals followed for Class 2 licenses, common victualler licenses and the all-alcohol restaurant and entertainment licenses that include Railroad 6; each passed by a 4–0 vote with one absent. The board emphasized that final license issuance remains contingent on payment of fees and sign-offs from relevant city departments.

The board paused mid-agenda when it learned the owner of Railroad 6 was present. Sal Malone introduced himself for the record and described a series of health setbacks that delayed the project. “I had 5 bypasses,” Malone said, adding that he experienced complications and multiple surgeries this year. He told the panel he expects the city’s building department to issue a permit soon and that he has discussed the project with city staff, including Ed Clinton and an on-site contractor, Eric. “My plan is by February [it will] be done,” Malone said.

Malone described a renovation that includes constructing a new roughly 30-foot kitchen to expand dine-in service and make the space more family-friendly. He estimated the project “is going to cost me over $100,000,” and said he also plans later to convert the second floor into additional residential units. Commissioners pressed him on the timeline and noted the location had been closed for an extended period; Commissioner Laura Medrano said she was concerned the restaurant “has not been closed a year… it has been closed more than 2 years” and urged that Malone’s timeline be credible. Malone reiterated his medical setbacks and longstanding ties to downtown Framingham, saying he has owned property there for about 30 years and wants to finish the project.

After discussion, the board moved through the remaining license categories. The motion to approve the common victualler slate passed 4–0 with one member absent; the all-alcohol restaurant licenses (including Railroad 6) and the entertainment license for Railroad 6 likewise passed 4–0 with one absent. The coin-operated apparatus license slate was also approved by the same margin. In each case the approvals were expressly conditioned on completion of required department inspections and payment of fees.

The board did not take up or approve minutes for the meeting; staff reported minutes were not available this week and will be placed on a future agenda. Chair Polagy thanked commissioners and staff for their volunteer service in 2024 and adjourned the meeting.

Actions recorded at the meeting remain conditional pending the completion of administrative steps by city departments; the approvals on Dec. 30 do not constitute the final issuance of licenses until those conditions are met.