Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 La Perle on probation for remainder of year By Christopher Roberson I n response to police reports and blatant license violations, the Board of License Commissioners voted 2-1 to put La Perle on probation for the rest of the year and to move the restaurant’s closing time to 11 p.m. The problems began following an after-hours party that took place on January 27. “Within six weeks I have had multiple police reports,” Board Chairman Philip Antonelli told La Perle owner Valery Joseph during the March 7 Board meeting, adding that hookah and bottle service were also brought to the board’s attention. “What possessed you, Valery, to bring hookah in the building?” In addition, Board Member Philip Arloro said he discovered a propane tank running inside the building. Antonelli said the decision to put the tank inside created an obvious fi re hazard. “The place could have burnt down,” he said. Attorney John Mackey, counsel for La Perle, said the board’s allegations were accurate. “Serious errors were made; they’re not denying it,” said Mackey. He said Joseph operated La Perle on Bow Street for a number of years without incident and has invested nearly $1 million to renovate the current building. Mackey also shared the possibility of the restaurant having a nightclub at some point. However, Antonelli would not hear of it. “There will never be a nightclub in Everett Square,” he said. “We are not entertaining anything of that nature.” ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $4.199 Mid Unleaded $4.399 Super $4.499 Diesel Fuel $5.049 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $6.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $4.999 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS La Perle, located on Broadway in Everett Square, has been put on probation until the end of the year. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) Arloro said Joseph should be aware of what activities are permitted under her current license. “It’s not up to this board to train La Perle on what they can and cannot do,” he said. The new 11 p.m. closing time will take eff ect on March 18. Other requirements issued by the board include operating the business only as a restaurant as well as providing the board with a list of management staff and all TIPS certifi cations. Airbnb proposal In other news, Ogo Joseph Ugeh, the owner of 20 Devens St., presented his proposal for an Airbnb on the property. “I like the idea of shortterm rentals; it’s a good thing for the community,” he said. Ugeh also said Airbnb, Inc. conducts background checks on all its guests. However, Antonelli did not agree. “That’s not true,” he said, adding that in May 2021 there was a fatal shooting at an Airbnb in Charlestown. In addition, Mei Yi Lan of 17 Devens St. was opposed to the idea of an Airbnb. “The street is very narrow; there’s not room for a business,” she said. Ugeh, a former Everett resident, said he now resides in Washington, D.C. In response, Antonelli said the city’s current zoning regulations require the property owner to live on the premises. Ugeh said he has a property manager who lives half a mile from the proposed Airbnb. However, Antonelli said a property manager does not take the place of the property owner. “A property manager doesn’t help the situation,” he said. Assistant City Solicitor Keith Slattery said that going forward a zoning change will be presented to the City Council that would no longer require the owner to live on site. “That’s something that we’re planning on doing very soon,” he said. Therefore, the board voted unanimously to postpose the proposal until the zoning change is approved. Grant funding applications available from Everett Citizens Foundation M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced that the Everett Citizens Foundation Grant Funding Application for year three, Round II is now available. The request limit for this round of funding is set at $10,000. All applications are due by Thursday, March 31. “This is a great opportunity for organizations to receive additional funding,” said DeMaria. “The Everett Citizens Foundation seeks to assist organizations that have a positive impact on the residents of Everett. I encourage all organizations in the community to apply.” Through the City of Everett’s Host Community Agreement with Wynn Resorts – approved by voters in 2013 – the Everett Citizens Foundation was established. The Foundation, which consists of members appointed by DeMaria, the Everett City Council, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Joseph McGonagle, is charged with supporting and promoting local groups, associations and programs with important City initiatives that provide a direct benefi t to Everett residents. Funding is limited to organizations who did not receive funding in year three, Round I. Any nonprofit organization in the community can apply. Applications can be found online at www.CityofEverett.com – then click Business & Development and then Everett Citizens Foundation. For questions or concerns regarding the application or eligibility, please email ECFoundation@ci.everett.ma.us. Prices subject to change Ask about our Conditioner! FLEET
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