A carnival will soon arrive in Chelsea.
The Licensing Commission granted approval on Wednesday, April 3, for Fiesta Shows, a New Hampshire company, to operate a four-day carnival at the Chelsea Commons during the upcoming spring season.
Chelsea Police Captain Keith Houghton spoke during the brief public hearing, noting that the City’s public safety departments have experienced no problems with Fiesta Shows in the past. The company operates similar events in nearby communities including Revere and Lynn.
According to At-Large City Councillor Roy Avellaneda, he has previously worked with Fiesta Shows owner John Flynn and found him to run orderly and secure operations. Avellaneda also mentioned that Fiesta Shows plans to contribute funds to the City’s summer jobs program.
Licensing Commissioner Roseann Bongiovanni raised concerns about the carnival’s 11 p.m. operating hours, particularly regarding Thursday evening.
Although the license permits operation until 11 p.m., Flynn explained that rides and activities typically conclude around 10 p.m., allowing police adequate time to clear the grounds by 11 p.m. According to Flynn, music and sound equipment are generally turned off at 9 p.m.
•The Commission rejected a permit for Friday evening social events at the Rincon Hondureno Function Hall located at 194 Broadway. Commission members and City officials worried the social events would essentially convert the function hall into a nightclub.
•A liquor license transfer for La Esquina Mariachi Restaurant at 170 Washington Ave., which occupies the former Plaza Mexico restaurant location, received Commission approval.
Concerns were raised by the pastor and members of the adjacent church, citing previous difficulties at that location.
Although the Commission granted the license, members requested that owners remain aware of the prior history at 170 Washington Ave.
“You need to be very conscious of the
environment you are stepping into,” said Licensing Commission Chair Mark Rossi. “Please don’t disappoint us.”