Par 3 (Valley Fields) (See Planning Board, November 10, 2025) In a continuation of the public hearing, the Board grappled with how to address resident concerns without creating problems for the business that everyone wants to succeed. While the restaurant operator advised the Board that he had installed some sound proofing material inside the building and plexiglass around the outdoor seating area, Board members wanted more information about additional sound attenuation measures, both inside and outside, and suggested that the operator hire an acoustic engineer.
Note about complaints: While residents cited the many noise complaints over a two year period and what they said was the failure of the police to do anything, an email from the Police Department explained that the department can only take action if the resident files a formal deposition. And while it was also pointed out that the state Liquor Law allows liquor licenses to be revoked if the State Liquor Authority receives at least six legitimate complaints, there was a general reluctance invoke this law which would harm the business.
The Board also discussed the hour at which the noise level restriction kicks in; the town’s noise law says 11pm, but outdoor seating permits have a 10pm cutoff. Also discussed was the need for the town to acquire equipment that can monitor bass frequencies, something it currently does not have.
To be decided, possibly at the Board’s next meeting, is whether to approve just the wetlands permit that’s needed before construction can begin on the sewer connection and hold off with the site plan amendments that will legalize what’s already exists on the site (like 109 outdoor seats, an outdoor bar and night lights) or approve the wetlands permit and site plan amendments as a package with conditions regarding the still unresolved issues.
Nantucket Sound (Kear Street). (See Planning Board, November 10, 2025) As a follow up to the discussion at the last meeting, the applicant submitted a memo outlining five possible off site measures that could be undertaken either on the Mohansic Trailway or other parts of town, including benches, sidewalk improvements, signage and landscaping. The Board asked the owner to provide more specific details and postponed making any decision as to whether these measure adequately compensate for the illegal HVAC equipment. The town currently has a $20,000 bond that required the relocation of the HVAC equipment to the roof.
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