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Council allows Virginica Pizza to expand outdoor music after one-summer trial
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Summary
Sadie Flapen, owner of Virginica Pizza, received council approval to remove a condition limiting outdoor performances to two-piece ensembles, provided the venue complies with decibel rules and coordinates schedules with neighboring businesses; council stressed monitoring and potential enforcement if problems arise.
The New Shoreham Town Council voted Dec. 1 to remove a condition that limited Virginica Pizza's outdoor entertainment to two-piece ensembles and to allow larger small-ensemble performances on a trial basis, provided the restaurant complies with town amplification rules and coordinates with nearby venues.
Owner Sadie Flapen told the council she opened Aug. 15 and closed Nov. 1 and that the business held one amplified event this season. "I would like to have more than 2 artists," Flapen said, adding she will operate within the town's 70-decibel limit and coordinate performance nights with neighboring businesses.
Council members expressed reservations about neighborhood noise at higher-elevation properties and the limited amount of data from a short season. Some councilors said they would prefer a specific numeric cap, while others argued the decibel limit and coordination with adjacent licensees provide adequate safeguards. The council ultimately agreed to eliminate condition number 2 from the prior permit and to monitor the outcome next season.
Town staff said enforcement tools remain available if neighbors file complaints or if the police chief documents repeated decibel violations. The decision is framed as a pilot to see whether broader allowances for amplified small ensembles can coexist with neighboring businesses' operations.
What happens next: Virginica Pizza's modified permit is effective for the next outdoor season; the council asked staff to ensure the agreement about coordination with adjacent venues is part of the town file and to report any enforcement issues in future meetings.
