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Council introduces resolution backing state exemption for liquor-license proximity and refers 1814 Broad Street proposal to ordinance committee
Summary
Councilmembers introduced and voted to refer a resolution supporting state legislation that would allow local exemptions to a long-standing 200-foot prohibition near churches or schools; property owner Alfred D'Andrea described plans for 1814 Broad Street and said the local pastor indicated support.
The Cranston City Council introduced a resolution on May 20 urging support for state legislation to allow cities to exempt applicants from a century-old Rhode Island prohibition that bars liquor-license applications within 200 feet of a church or school without a local enabling resolution.
Council president Wahl said the resolution — sponsored by Councilwoman Graziano — would be referred to the ordinance committee for review. Attorney Matthew Jerzyk told the council a senate companion bill now carries number "senate bill 3288" and explained that the state law prevents applicants from even seeking a license unless a municipality first passes a resolution enabling the state exemption.
Alfred D'Andrea, who identified himself as founder of the Edgewood Group and owner of the property at 1814 Broad Street, said he plans an "upscale" restaurant for the former convenience-store site. D'Andrea said he had spoken with the pastor of Edgewood Congregational Church, Ken Scarborough, and that the pastor "seemed very excited about it, very open to it, and basically said he would be in support of it." Attorney Jerzyk and council members said further discussion would take place in committee before any licensing decision returned to the council.
A motion to refer the resolution to the ordinance committee was made and carried by roll-call vote; the council did not take an immediate position on the license application itself, instead routing the matter for committee consideration.
