Planning Board approves Gatsby Golf indoor simulator and limited bar with conditions on hours and parking

The East Longmeadow Planning Board approved a special permit for Gatsby Golf Company LLC to operate an 8‑bay indoor golf simulator with a small bar and a full electric kitchen at 45 Baldwin Street. The petitioner described a business model focused on simulator play with food service (flatbreads, paninis and similar items) and limited bar seating; hours proposed were generally 9 a.m.–11 p.m., with some flexibility for private events.

Ralph Page, East Longmeadow Town Council president, told the board the town council granted a liquor‑license contingent on planning approval and urged the planning board to ensure that restaurant/food‑service hours match any alcohol‑service hours so the liquor license remains in compliance. “So food has to be available at all times,” Page said, stressing the linkage between the special permit and the liquor license. Charlie Christiansen of CMD Technology Group supported the proposal but raised parking concerns, saying weekend trailers and long‑term parked vehicles sometimes occupy lot spaces and could reduce customer parking.

The board added conditions that food‑service hours must match alcohol hours and that all activity be confined indoors. Building‑department mechanical questions (for example the kitchen hood and exhaust) were left to the building official. The board approved the permit by voice vote with no opposition recorded and directed staff to monitor parking and coordinate with police and zoning enforcement if trailers or long‑term parking reduce available spaces.