After Months of Debate, Special Permit Approved for Dave & Busters

After months of debate, Dave & Busters is coming to Woburn.

Aldermen approved the special permit with a lengthy list of conditions during their Tuesday night meeting, essentially clearing way for the business to build at 275 Mishawum Road.

Concerns about traffic and fire safety were among the issues raised in recent months of discussion, but aldermen decided that the conditions set were enough to pass the proposal.

During Tuesday's meeting, Alderman Darlene Mercer-Bruen said her biggest concern was what she found when researching the Dave & Busters location in Braintree. 

No one suffered injuries, but the Braintree location did report three minor fires, Mercer-Bruen said. In addition, the business was cited for blocking a fire exit and turning off a fire alarm before firefighters responded, according to Mercer-Bruen, who was one of the two votes against the project.

The attorney for Dave & Busters said that the fires were not major incidents, and should not be cause for concern. He said no police or fire detail will be needed when the business opens.

"Our No. 1 priority is public safety. We all recognize that," said Alderman Richard Haggerty. "With regards to fire safety, as it plays out the petitioner will be required to make sure this facility is safe, period. I have faith in local and state agencies that folks in our community will be safe. I have absolute confidence in that."

Woburn Business Association Executive Director Michael Meaney spoke in favor of the project when the public was asked for feedback. Meaney said the business is likely to bring $285,000 in revenue to the City of Woburn on an annual basis.

"I commend you all for the work you have done throughout the process hearing concerns," said Meaney. "They want to be here. They've shown they want to be here. They've address every concern possible throughout the last several months. This is just the first step in the process."

Aldermen voted to approve the permit granted with 27 conditions previously proposed by the Planning Board. In addition, the City Council added three conditions of their own.

One of the conditions limited delivery hours to Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition, aldermen required that Dave & Busters provide crowd managers as required, and also comply with Mass General Laws in regards to fire prevention.

With the project gaining the blessing of City Council, business developers will now be able to take out their building permits and begin moving forward with their construction plans in the near future.

"I feel like everyone has done their due diligence," said Alderman Raymond Drapeau before he voted in favor of the business.