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Planning commission approves one-year trial allowing Carol's Lunchbox karaoke and limited outdoor acoustic music
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a one-year trial for Carol's Lunchbox to host indoor Saturday karaoke (6–9 p.m.) and limited non‑amplified outdoor acoustic music on weekends, with conditions limiting amplification and defining hours and instrumentation.
Carol Willis, owner of Carol's Lunchbox at 14 Westwoods Drive, won approval from the Town of Farmington Planning & Zoning Commission on May 11 for a one‑year trial to add entertainment to her restaurant's existing liquor license.
Willis told the commission she wanted to introduce indoor karaoke on Saturday nights and occasional acoustic outdoor performances. "Karaoke will be Saturday nights from 6 PM to 9:00 pm. It would be indoors," she said. She also asked to allow acoustic music on the patio and under a temporary tent on weekends, weather permitting.
Commissioners voiced noise and neighbor‑impact concerns during a detailed question-and-answer period. Commissioner Josh Davidson and others pressed Willis on whether outdoor performers would use amplification, placement of speakers, and whether doors and windows would remain closed during events. Willis said she planned to use performers who typically play acoustic guitar and that outdoor music would initially be non‑amplified.
The commission settled on a set of conditions intended to limit possible impacts: indoor karaoke limited to Saturdays, 6–9 p.m.; outdoor weekend music limited to daytime hours (roughly midday to early afternoon depending on season); outdoor performances limited to non‑amplified stringed instruments (commissioners summarized this as "strings only"); a one‑year trial period to allow the commission to revisit the rules if complaints arise; and the town would retain standard noise‑ordinance enforcement.
Commission discussion emphasized the town's ability to revisit the permit if noise complaints increase. The motion to approve, as recorded in the meeting, authorized indoor and outdoor entertainment at 14 Westwoods Drive in the R40 zone "as presented," subject to the conditions discussed. The motion carried; the record shows at least one opposition and unspecified abstentions.
Next steps: Willis may begin advertising and scheduling once the town issues written confirmation including the conditions. The commission said it will monitor complaints and revisit the permit at the end of the one‑year trial if needed.
