New Speedwell Ave. Bar Raises Noise, Garbage Concerns

Incoming business Cambridge Wine Cellars LLC cleared its final regulatory hurdle Tuesday night when the Morristown Town Council unanimously approved the transfer of a liquor license to Cambridge. However, another proposed liquor license transfer prompted concerns among municipal officials.

Uncle Baxter LLC is looking to transfer a liquor license to 34B-36 Speedwell Ave. for a bar named Veronica's.

Council President Michelle Dupree Harris recommended that Uncle Baxter’s place to place transfer be moved from unfinished business and put on the regular agenda for the next council meeting.

Councilman Stefan Armington attended a site visit and was worried about the garbage and noise.

“I’m in favor of the application but I do have some concerns about the garbage area. The applicant said they would cover it or do whatever they can. I know that’s more of an element that will be figured out during the planning board review,” said Armington. “I’d be in favor of them going to the planning board for their site plan review so they can provide the public with an arena for comments and so they can develop the plans for those issues to be resolved.”

However, Robert C. Williams, attorney for Uncle Baxter and the applicant, William Walsh, said that is an unnecessary step.

“There is no planning board required on this. This is an existing building,” said Williams. “The health department would of course review the disposal facilities, but there’s no need to go to the planning board.”

“If we had some suggestions … on the conditions for covering the area so that dumpsters are blocked from view and to resolve noise issues … how would that get resolved?” asked Armington.

Williams reassured the council that it would be addressed.

“We plan to do that. I know that you met with the applicant on the site. We plan to put some type of covering over it,” said Williams. “We’re going to handle it on our own in conjunction with your health department. There will be some type of modification to the existing condition.”

“Mr. Armington did voice his opinion in regards to the dumpsters and the residents behind,” said Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid. “To me that seemed reasonable.”

Smith-Reid asked if this “transfer is for the early street transfer,” referring to Futbolandia No. 2.

“The Early street transfer never went through because of certain problems that arose after the approval. So now, the applicant is asking to take his pocket license and move it into 34B-36 Speedwell Avenue,” said Williams.

“It’s the same licensee, a different location. There are no objections filed for this transfer. The applicant filed, they complied with the application process, they gave notice and put a sign on the building, it’s zoned for it, they would like to get started … we have a lot of people waiting to move forward … We’ve met with the neighbors. Everybody seems very positive.”

He added that Walsh is proposing a “tremendous upgrade to this location. This will be a very costly endeavor.”

The discussion of this liquor transfer was ultimately moved to the June 11 council meeting.