Seekonk zoning board OK's special permits for Old Gristmill Tave - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Seekonk zoning board OK's special permits for Old Gristmill Tavern rebuild

by James Swierzbin

JSwierzbin@abc6.com

Seekonk's zoning board has approved a plan to recreate the Old Gristmill Tavern, just like it was before it was gutted by fire, back in June.

Dozens of people packed into Seekonk's tiny town hall on Monday to show support for the Old Gristmill's attempt to rebuild.

Several people got up and spoke in front of the board, practically begging them to grant the special permits, so that it could be rebuilt.

Kate Cherepowich was one of the many who spoke out.

She wants the restaurant back up and running, so that her 4 and a half year old daughter Anna, can go back to her favorite restaurant.

"It's our only place that we go and to her, it's 'The restaurant'." said Kate.

 Anna was so upset about the fire that destroyed the Old Gristmill, that she drew a picture asking the restaurant's owner Greg Esmay, to rebuild it.

Anna gave the picture to Greg after the meeting on Monday for inspiration.

And with that kind of community support, Greg says he's ready to throw himself into rebuilding, just as soon as he can.

"We're ready to start repairing it, its what we want to do."

And once the repairs are done, there will be one very happy little girl, waiting for the Old Gristmill to open its doors.

"I'll be so happy, I want to go in right that night." said 4-year old Anna Cherepowich.

Even though the zoning board approved the special permits, there is a 30-day waiting period before work can get underway.

The Old Gristmill's owner Greg Esmay hopes he can have his restaurant, back up and operating, by next spring.