Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Somerville planning board approves extended hours and product sales for Middlemist (New Jersey Elixir)
Summary
The board voted to amend Middlemist’s zoning condition to allow retail bottle sales and limited nonalcoholic service beginning at 7 a.m., with on‑site alcohol service to begin no earlier than 10 a.m.; approval is conditioned on Exhibit A, ABC rules and escrow replenishment.
The Somerville Planning Board voted June 24 to approve a minor amendment to New Jersey Elixir’s (doing business as Middlemist) prior land‑use approval, allowing expanded hours and limited nonalcoholic offerings.
The owner, Caleb Ellis, told the board the business has been open about two months and seeks formal authorization to sell bottled products, coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages beginning as early as 7:00 a.m., while reserving poured alcohol service to start at 10:00 a.m. on most days (Sunday pour/package hours are governed by state ABC rules). “Our exhibit indicates 10 a.m.,” Ellis said when asked when alcohol would be poured; he added prepackaged food would be prepared off‑site.
The board first voted on a procedural finding required under land‑use law: whether the requested change was “substantial.” Counsel advised the board that if the change is insubstantial, the board may amend the prior approval without re‑noticing. The members present who had reviewed the original application voted that the change was de minimis.
Following the procedural vote, the planning board approved the amendment incorporating the applicant’s Exhibit A. The approval sets operating hours at 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., subjects the business to all prior conditions not changed by the amendment, requires prepackaged foods to be prepared off‑site, and requires the applicant to replenish escrow for any additional review fees. The board also adopted a clause that the approval will automatically conform to any retroactive changes in state ABC hours.
The board recorded affirmative votes from the members present at the vote. Tim Hayes and several members were noted earlier as excused; board staff recorded the outcome as approval of the requested condition amendment.
The board closed the hearing and thanked the applicant for appearing on short notice. The amendment does not change the business’s liquor‑license status; any alcohol sales must comply with state ABC licensing and hours.
