SPRINGFIELD – The manager of record of Carregan’s Lounge told the Board of License Commissioners last week he has a new plan for the now closed bar.

Jeffrey Bausch said he intends to turn the bar into more of a restaurant and would return to the board in three months to reveal a complete business and security plan.

The bar’s license was voluntarily surrendered this summer after Mayor Domenic Sarno declared that illegal activities in the bar’s parking lot had to be stopped.

The lounge at 155 Maple St. had been the location of numerous incidences. In June Sarno reported, “Between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 22, 2018, there were eight reported victims of aggravated assaults at 155 Maple St (Carregan’s). One of the assaults involved homophobic slurs and an attack against victim who suffered a jaw that was broken in several places. Four incidents involved victims being shot (total of five victims). In one incident, a victim was stabbed.”

According to police records,  “Between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 22, 2018, SPD officers have responded to or initiated a total of 66 calls for service within 60 feet of 155 Maple St (Carregan’s). Of these calls, 11 involved acts of violence. Nine  calls involved Shots Fired or ShotSpotter (this increases to 16 Shots Fired/ShotSpotter calls if the radius is expanded to 500 ft).”

Baush said there would be  a name change and the new eatery/bar would operate with limited hours and would be closed on weekends, initially.

Board Chair Peter Sygnator told Bausch that if he intends to have  a 2 a.m. closing time  he “better have plenty of security.”

Bausch explained his appearance before the board now and when his plans are formalized was an effort to get a reaction from the board as he doesn’t want to invest in the renovations without knowing if the board would approve a new liquor license for the establishment.

Sygnator said another restaurant on Maple Street would be an asset to the neighborhood.

In other action, the board decided on the punishment of several businesses that had sold liquor to minors.

Liberty Package Store, 747 carew St., was given a one day closing on Jan. 12 with four additional closed days held in abeyance for one year.

TJ’s Wine & Spirits, 28 Verge St. was given a five day closing with five days held in abeyance. That store will be closed Jan. 19-23. The harsher punishment was due to the fact this was the store’s second violation in two years.

Forest Park Liquors, 594 Sumner Ave., will be closed on Jan. 12 with four additional closing days held in abeyance for one year.