Selectmen approve temporary lease for Harborview Restaurant outdoor space, hold special-amusement hearing

Selectmen approved a short-term lease allowing Harborview Restaurant’s owner to use town-owned space in front of the restaurant deck as contingency outdoor seating if COVID-19 conditions make deck seating untenable.

At a public hearing TM Billings said the Harbor View Special Amusement application had been advertised and no comments had been received. Gail Stinson, identified in the meeting as the new owner of the Harborview Restaurant, described her intent to keep dining “on the deck” when possible but asked for permission to formalize leasing the front space if local COVID metrics increase.

The board discussed timing and seasonality and indicated it could set the lease in increments (for example June through September). A motion by Selectman John Steed, seconded by John Robbins, approved the lease space by a 4‑0 vote.

Separately, at an earlier meeting the board reviewed a liquor‑license application described as the Atlantic Harbor View liquor‑license; that application was advertised and approved after inspection of a modified porch area and with a caveat that the premises lease would be required if a premises license was issued.

No public opposition to the Special Amusement application was recorded in the meeting transcripts provided. The Selectmen noted the town will enforce lease terms and seasonal restrictions as needed.