BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — The Board of Selectmen will revisit the issue of an unused liquor license issued to Sully C’s Sports Bar & Grill next month.
The board said Elaine Byrne, owner of Sully C’s, and Suleyman Celimli, the building’s landlord, have made progress in repairing damage caused by a fire that caused $100,000 damage last year.
The building, which includes Sully C’s and Boston Market, is uninhabitable, preventing use of the license.
Problems began when the fire forced both restaurants to close. Fire officials anticipated the eateries would be closed for a few weeks.
At a meeting in March, the board heard from the building inspector, fire chief, and plumbing inspector. They said the building is not up to code due to structural issues, a hole in the floor, walls that appear as though they are about to collapse, plumbing and gas issues, rusting, and mold and sewerage.
Celimi and Byrne have been before the board several times over many months, expressing disagreement about who is responsible for repairing the damage.
The board gave Celimi and Byrne up until last night’s meeting to design a work plan, itemize each task that needs to be done, who will complete it, and when. The plan was to result in the businesses reopening no later than June 30.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, Selectman Jeff Cicolini reported the board had been given an itemized plan.
“I did get a comprehensive work plan, broken down by responsibility, just what we asked for,” Cicolini said. “It shows, at least, that there’s a master plan to get this place up and running.”
Contractors have been working to eliminate mold in the building at a cost to the landlord of $37,000. Overall, the owner has spent $192,000 to reopen the business, some of which was provided by insurance.
While each party maintained that there is a disagreement as to who is responsible for repairing damage, they agreed to work together and report progress to the board next month.
“We’re not trying to rehash the past,” said Selectman Mark Mitchell. “We’ve already been down this road. We’re looking to move forward. We’re looking to get this taken care of.”
Selectman Scott Brazis said he felt positive about the progress reported at the meeting.
“This is the most progress we’ve seen since that fire,” he said. “Things are finally getting done and I hope they continue. At the end of June, I’d like to see this establishment back open.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.