Residents challenge Woodside outdoor dining plans over noise and safety concerns

Concerns over noise enforcement and project compliance dominated the Town Council Meeting on December 10, 2024, as residents voiced frustrations regarding a local development project. A resident, speaking passionately, highlighted the ongoing issues with noise and safety, urging the council to enforce existing regulations tied to Conditional Use Permits (CUP).

The resident expressed disappointment that the project applicant had ignored numerous recommendations from town and planning commissions, including reducing lighting and implementing security measures. “The applicant disregarded every single one of those recommendations,” the resident stated, emphasizing the impact on community safety, particularly for children.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the financial motivations behind the project, with a resident referencing an email from a town official expressing worries about the project's viability. “What are the chances that you approve this and she sells the property in the next few months for a lot more money?” they questioned, suggesting that the project could lead to increased profits for the applicant at the expense of community well-being.

The resident concluded by advocating for a balanced approach to outdoor dining that respects existing parking and safety measures, urging the council to revisit the project with a focus on enforcement and community input. The meeting underscored the tension between development and community concerns, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about the future of local projects in Woodside.