Cranston committee approves Blue Room sidewalk tables for Gaspee Days and grants entertainment license to Nelson Mack

The Cranston City Safety, Service and Licensing Committee on Thursday approved two business licensing requests: a temporary sidewalk expansion for Blue Room LLC at 2197 Broad Street to place tables and serve during the Gaspee Days parade, and an entertainment license for Nelson Mack.

Chairwoman Hurwitz said she had vetted neighbor concerns and heard none, and that she had checked with the clerk about the mayor’s position before bringing the Blue Room request forward. After a motion to approve and a second, Councilman Nardolillo spoke in support, praising the Blue Room for following ordinance procedures and apologizing for his own recent ordinance lapse in Providence, saying he was “happy” and in full support of the application. The committee completed a roll-call vote with multiple members recorded as voting yes and the chair announced the expansion approved.

The committee then considered an entertainment license for Nelson Mack. Chairwoman Hurwitz described the owner’s months of work preparing the business — including hiring an electrician and making renovations — and said she called the meeting to avoid delaying the license another weekend. Councilman Andujar thanked Nelson Mack for applying and waiting, noting some cities restrict entertainment in certain zones, and the Council President also commended the owner’s efforts. A roll-call vote followed; members recorded as present voted yes and the chair confirmed approval.

There were no in-person or online public comments on the agenda items. After the votes, a member moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded and the committee voted to close the meeting.

The committee did not take up other substantive matters during the special session. The chair indicated she and other members planned to visit the Blue Room on Saturday.