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Locals Larchmont asks board for path to restore music, seeks authorization for sound testing
Summary
Counsel for Locals Larchmont LLC told the board on Dec. 1 that the venue stopped live and amplified music after a recent decision and asked the village to allow background music on low‑wattage speakers, grant permission for amplified sound testing to develop a soundproofing plan and consider narrow event exemptions while mitigation proceeds.
Maximilian Mihalik, attorney for Locals Larchmont LLC (speaker S16), asked the Village of Larchmont Board of Trustees on Dec. 1 for clarity and a path forward after the board’s Nov. 17 decision that halted live and amplified music at the downtown venue.
Mihalik told trustees the applicant has retained a private acoustical consultant and is coordinating with the village’s appointed sound consultant to develop a soundproofing plan based on amplified sound testing. He said the stoppage of live and amplified music had a “substantial” financial impact on the business and on community events that had been booked there.
The applicants asked the board to allow immediate use of background music and low‑wattage TV speakers on the first and second floors — "not live bands or DJs," Mihalik said — so the business can remain commercially viable while it pursues a mitigation plan. He also requested authorization for controlled amplified sound testing, and asked the village to assist in obtaining access to neighboring residential interiors where needed for testing.
Mayor (speaker S1) and trustees said they could not resolve all items that night but that staff would schedule a call with the village’s sound consultant to review the space and testing logistics. Trustee Jim (speaker S9) indicated that testing itself would likely be allowed if organized and communicated in advance and the board requested specific dates, times and event details for any exemptions under consideration. Mihalik said the applicant will submit proposed testing dates and any event exemption requests and work with counsel to coordinate access to neighboring units.
An owner/representative for the venue (speaker S17) appealed directly to the board, saying the business was built with community input, served customers and created events residents once celebrated, and that the current restrictions risked the venue’s viability. The board reiterated willingness to coordinate and to have counsel follow up on access issues; no final decision on background music or exemptions was recorded in the transcript.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: the applicant will provide proposed testing dates, times and event details; village staff will schedule a meeting with its sound consultant; and the village attorney will communicate with the applicant’s counsel about possible access to neighboring units for testing.
