Billerica Select Board Approves Liquor Licenses for New Middlesex Turnpike Restaurant

BILLERICA -- January 8, 2024, Billerica Select Board unanimously approves two liquor licenses for a new fast-casual restaurant and opens debate over a proposed finance director position. The board approved a common victualer license and a wine and malt pouring license for 22 Commune Inc., owned by Simir Patel of Turnpike Market, at 164 Middlesex Turnpike, with hours set at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and alcohol service limited to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., subject to Zoning Board of Appeals conditions including a 40-seat capacity limit. The board also voted unanimously to send a letter to MassDOT and state legislators expressing frustration with road conditions on Boston Road North, a state-managed project. Town Manager John Curran introduced a proposal to create a new finance director position ahead of the retirement of 23-year Town Accountant Paul Wasson, with comparable community salaries suggesting compensation potentially exceeding $200,000; Selectman Rosa pushed back, arguing the town accountant's independence as a Select Board appointee serves a critical checks-and-balances function that should not be diluted by adding a town-manager-appointed layer above it.