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City Council Set to Re-Vote on Liquor License for New Restaurant

Many Fenton Patch readers share opinions on the vote and Boston's The Gourment Pizza.

 

In January, the Fenton City Council was deadlocked 3-3 in a vote to approve a liquor license for Rrok Dedivanaj, manager of Mega Coney Island, who would like to open a Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza franchise at 3324 Owen Road.

The city council has the resolution for the liquor license on the agenda for Monday's meeting and is likely ready to vote again.

Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro said he could not recommend approval to council, based on a background investigation on the applicant.

Dedivanaj has no criminal felony convictions, but was arrested for a misdemeanor property violation in 2010 in Novi. In addition, he had two contacts with the Fenton Police Department in 2006 and 2011, involving alcohol and fights, Aro said. He was not prosecuted for any of the incidents.

Council members Brad Jacob, Michael Piacentini and Councilwoman Pat Lockwood voted in favor of the Resort Class C liquor license transfer from its current owner, Galley O’Malley LLC, to Dedivanaj’s Rrokstar Design LLC. Fenton Mayor Sue, Osborn, Councilwoman Cheryl King and Councilman Benjamin Smith voted against it. Councilman Les Bland was absent from the meeting.

Many Fenton Patch readers commented on the story and on the Fenton Patch Facebook page.

Denise McDowell said, "I find it so sad that so few people have the power to continue to let this city sit idle when we could grow and build! Not many people can start new businesses in this economy so when a person steps up to do so why are 3-4 people in line to shoot them down!"

Laura Carpenter posted," The Dedivanaj Family is a huge asset to the Fenton area. I know they support dozens of programs that come to the them for financial assistance through Wounded Warrior, local events, etc. These are the kinds of people we need to grow our community and they have done an outstanding job with the Mega business. I hope the city council reconsiders this license when they have a full council."

Krista Weaver said, "I think it would be a shame for the Fenton City Council to deny Dedivanaj the license for this new restaurant. He's already proven he can run a successful restaurant (Mega) and the new venture will provide 45 jobs in Fenton. 45 JOBS! Not to mention, it will remodel and occupy a building that has sat vacant for far too long."

Related Topics: Boston's The Gourmet Pizza, Fenton Business, Fenton Businesses, and Mega Coney Island

Sean Rosekrans

8:17 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

I hope that the council will grant the request. He has run a business in Fenton for many years. We can use all the new jobs we can get in these time. Granted he has been arrested but never convicted. What happen to innocent until proven guilty?

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Mary Miettinen

8:31 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

I will vote yes for it, but wait, I don't have a vote perse. Instead, I will just voice my opinion, with a grateful hope that it makes a difference. Yes! This is a good move. I don't even drink, I am a Christian and a responsible person, and still, I hope he gets approval. We are set to welcome a brewery between churches and council would deny this business venture? Seriously? I wonder.......

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Jason Alexander

8:47 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

Let's grant the power for you to be a council member...What would you vote tonight?

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C.C.

9:47 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

I'd vote NO since Rroky's arrests have had alcohol involvement. The business would be an asset, but not at the expense of a reckless owner. People have mentioned he has a good family, supports programs, it would bring jobs ~ all true. Fact of the matter is, the family is NOT applying for the license, a guy with anger and alcohol issues is. Still would vote NO.

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Sean Rosekrans

10:22 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

Arrested but not proven guilty, never convicted. What happened to innoncent until proven guilty. You are judging him based on arrests not convictions. People are arrested without being guilty of anything.

C.C.

10:51 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Many ways to not be prosecuted for these infractions, say paying for damages out of pocket to keep from having a it on your record, pleading to a lesser charge etc. He's got a short fuse and a hot temper as evidenced by repeated arrests. You all got you wish, now lets hope he matures and has no problems in the future or that his family has to step in if he drops the ball with more run ins with the law.

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Sean Rosekrans

6:26 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I see this passed. Thank you Mr. Bland. Convicting this man because he had been arrested and not convicted is grossly unfair.

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