THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, May 22, 2020 Page 5 Selectmen give Apex Entertainment green light to locate at Square One Mall By Mark E. Vogler A pex Entertainment won unanimous support from selectmen at Tuesday night’s meeting on its request for a special permit (S-2) that would allow a mega amusement complex to be located in the Sears Building at the Square One Mall off of Route 1. Several selectmen had reservations about allowing the consumption of alcohol in the arcade area. But they were willing to accept that situation after hearing from Interim Saugus Police Chief Ronald Giorgetti, who said he had concerns, but would monitor the situation. “If Apex can comply with the police chief’s recommendations, then I am comfortable with it,” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley said. “I feel a lot better knowing that there will be a police detail,” Selectman Michael Serino said. “I feel that having police on site is one way we feel more comfortable,” he said. Selectman Jeff Cicolini also said he didn’t like the idea of having alcohol in the arcade area, but said he would support it as long as the chief felt comfortable with it. Giorgetti said he talked to representatives for Apex and reviewed security and floor plans. “After this review, I have no objection to the proposed use,” Giorgetti wrote in a letter to the board which recommended the following conditions: Unarmed security officers only. Uniforms to clearly state security. No uniforms similar to the Saugus Police Department. Last call a half hour before closing. Closing at 12:30 a.m. In addition to his letter, the chief recommended two police details, with the primary responsibility being to control the crowd and traffic in the parking lot. But the offi cers could periodically enter the building, according to the chief. Apex would maintain six to eight security offi cers on duty inside the mall. If the project proceeds as plans, Apex representatives said it could be as long as two years before the complex is built and ready to open. Representatives of Apex Entertainment SO Saugus, LLC AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Spring Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2010 FORD FUSION SE 4 Cyl., Auto., 1 Previous Owner, Most Pwr. Options incl. Keyless Entry, & Pwr. Sunroof. Only 70K Miles! ALL TRADES WELCOME! $5,995 Easy Financing Available! Loaded with Leather Interior, Moon Roof, Only 106K Miles, Warranty! PRICED TO SELL! $4,995 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! 2011 MERCURY MILAN PREMIER • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening unveiled their plans in a public hearing before selectmen last month. The company has fi led an application for a Special Permit (S-2) that would allow it to operate an indoor commercial recreational facility within the 100,000 square feet area on the fi rst fl oor of the Square One Mall. Apex Entertainment proposes to repurpose the retail space that is currently occupied by Sears, Roebuck and Co.” with a variety of entertainment activities “geared toward providing regional residents, families and corporations with high quality, safe yearround enjoyment,” according to the application fi led with the town. The company’s proposed activities include bumper cars, bowling, go-karts, laser tag, ropes course, arcade, sports simulators, mini golf and a full-service restaurant and bar with an all-alcohol liquor license. Apex currently owns and operates three Apex Entertainment -- in Marlborough, Mass., Albany, N.Y. and Syracuse, N.Y. “I’m looking forward to this coming to Saugus. I think it’s going to do a lot of good for the mall,” Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joseph John Vecchione IV said. Selectman Debra Panetta talked optimistically about the Apex’s potential impact. “I do believe it will be highly successful,” Panetta said. “I do believe there will be crowds because we don’t have anything like that in Saugus.” 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com We are the smile care experts for your entire family In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today
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