With its construction scheduled to begin in 45 days, the Palazzo De Bocce has been recommended for approval by the Orion Township Board of Trustees for a Class C Liquor License.
The board also considered an application for a new Class C Liquor License for Carrie Lee’s restaurant, ultimately denying that request. Both groups paid non-refundable fees of $1,000 to be considered for a license.
On Oct. 7, 2002, the board made it a policy to consider each liquor license request individually, with the fee and interview, considering each one at a time.
“Essentially what we’re doing is holding a hearing because that’s what our ordinance says we have to do,” said clerk Jill Bastian.
Trustee Richard Tomczak wondered how the board could consider Battaglia’s application, after previously making a decision not to consider an application for a building that is as yet non-existent.
“Unless the building is built…we couldn’t approve any liquor licenses,” he said. “Like the golf dome on M-24 that was never built.
“I don’t have a problem doing this, and considering this…but we’ve been through this before,” he said. “It came back to haunt us. I don’t have a problem considering it for the future, but I’m not sure I’m ready to consider it at this time.”
Bastian said the board can request a final inspection of the building before a license is issued.
“Mr. Battaglia has an approved site plan from the planning commission,” supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said.
“How does a person plan then to build a facility if he can’t get a liquor license?” Battaglia asked.
Tomczak said the board would like to see a building first.
“But as long as you have a site plan, you’re asking if that’s OK, and it might be OK,” he said.
Building official Tom Berger said a certificate of occupancy would be issued only after a final inspection, warranting no violations.
According to Battaglia, his set up will be different than most restaurant/bars.
“There are courts in it with a restaurant in the center,” he said. “It’s something you don’t see in this area, but in other parts of the country they have them and they are very successful.”
“We’ll have six courts…we’ll be completely open to the public,” he said. “No private memberships.”
The property is on Lapeer Road near Silverbell, and was formerly zoned for a restaurant proposal.
“It’s primarily in an industrial area,” said trustee Michael Gingell. “I think that’s significant when looking at this decision.”
The board voted to recommend approval of Battaglia’s application with requirements for a final inspection, certificate of occupancy and background check by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department prior to the issuance of the license.
Regarding the request from Lai Wah, Inc., Carrie Lee’s restaurant in the Shops on Waldon Pond on Baldwin Road, the board voted to deny the request after a motion by Bastian to recommend approval failed to receive support.
John Lucas, attorney for Carrie Lee’s, said the restaurant has been in the community for nearly five years and is planning to expand to 97 seats by occupying the ice cream parlor next door.
“This is an establishment that’s been in the community for years,” said Bastian. “I’ll have to give them an answer why we’re not approving.”
“This board is not a rubber stamp,” responded Dywasuk.
Bastian said the township had four licenses available, with one going to Battaglia. A license was also granted for Ruby Tuesdays, currently under construction in the former World of Floors building on Lapeer Road.
“We’ll have three left,” she said.
“I’d love to give this to Carrie Lee’s, but I’m trying to go back to what our stand was if we don’t get more (licenses) until 2011,” Tomczak said.
Bastian said there are several ways to go about obtaining a license.
“I don’t think we’ll be hurting if other groups come in,” she said. “I don’t understand why…I don’t feel at this point we’ll be losing out.”
“I think Carrie Lee’s has great food, but I’m not thrilled about going over there and having alcohol,” said Dywasuk.
“Carrie Lee’s has had a liquor license in Waterford for 15 years,” Lucas said. “It seems like they’re being penalized for being such a model neighbor. They have a right to expand.”
“This is not Waterford,” responded Dywasuk. “It’s Orion Township. We have a limited number of licenses available.”
“It appears, without saying so, that the other four licenses are being reserved,” said Lucas. “For places that are new.
“Carrie Lee’s in Birmingham has a liquor license…it’s time,” he said.