Selectmen deny request to allow 7-11 on Hamilton Street to operate 24 hours

By Mark E. Vogler

SAUGUS – Gail Bagnera, the operator of the 7-Eleven on Hamilton Street, readily admitted to selectmen that it would be difficult to find additional workers to keep the store open 24-hours-a-day when she requested an extension of hours at Tuesday night’s meeting. Selectmen cited Bagnera’s comments about the challenges of finding the additional help as one of the reasons why they voted 4-0 to deny her request. During a public hearing on her request, Bagnera told the board that she was required by corporate 7-Eleven to seek the extension to 24 hours/seven days a week operation.

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta asked Bagnera if the extension would help her business succeed. “The overnights are difficult to staff and operate a 24/7 business,” Bagnera responded.

“But it’s something that’s required,” she said.

Panetta asked Bagnera what the impact would be on the store if the board denied her request. There would be no impact, Bagnera answered, adding that the store would continue to operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini suggested that Bagnera’s comments about the difficulty in staffing the store for 24 hours be included in the reasons for denying the request.

“Since COVID, nobody can find help,” Selectman Anthony Cogliano said.

“I think that help is an issue…some of the clientele that roams the street at night is an issue,” Cogliano added.

“I don’t see the benefit as far as being a business owner. I don’t see the traffic out there that would warrant it,” he said.

Selectman Michael Serino said he’s never heard anyone from the public say that the Hamilton Street convenience store should operate 24 hours a day. “The only comment I get from the public is that the place is really run-down,” Serino said.

“I hope you take the message back to your property owner,” Serino said.

Cogliano made the motion to deny the request for extended hours, which was seconded by Panetta. The vote was unanimous among the four selectmen present. Selectmen Corinne Riley was absent due to an illness.

In other action Tuesday night, selectmen:

• Approved a request by Town Clerk Ellen Schena to reduce the hours for the first week of In Person Early Voting for the Nov. 5 Presidential Election. Schena requested the hours for Saturday, Oct. 19, to be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hours for the rest of the week would be as follows: Monday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Friday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second week would remain the regular hours.
• Approved a request from Christine Graffeo of 7 Warren Rd. for a block party permit for Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Approved a request from Aggregate Industries, Inc. for an extension of its Special Permit (S-2) to allow removal of earth and rock and for the operation of a quarry at 1731 Rear Broadway and Whittier Avenue for a period of six months
• Approved a request from PPT Hospitality LLC, of Boxford, for a Common Victualer’s License and Entertainment License to operate Stella’s Pizzeria at 463 Essex St. The approved hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday. Selectmen approved a maximum seating of 20 people with one television set.
• Approved a request from PPT Hospitality LLC, of Boxford, for a Common Victualer’s License and Entertainment License to operate Dumplin Garden at 467 Essex St. The approved hours are 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Selectmen approved 13 seats and a television set.