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Council approves sound variances for Safe Harbor, Aquidneck Avenue and Sunset Cove events
Summary
The council approved multiple sound-variance requests for summer events — including Safe Harbor Race Week, a private event on Aquidneck Avenue and two benefit concerts at Sunset Cove — after public hearings and limited neighborhood comment; votes carried with one or two dissenting votes on some requests.
Portsmouth — The Town Council on June 22 approved three separate requests to exceed local sound limits for summer events: a Safe Harbor Race Week event, a private backyard amplified music event on Aquidneck Avenue, and two Sunset Cove concerts July 1–2.
Each request opened with a public hearing. There were no speakers for the Safe Harbor and Aquidneck Avenue hearings. At the Sunset Cove hearing one nearby resident, Craig Clark, described hours of amplified music that he said interfered with livability and urged the business owner to meet with neighbors before future events; Mike McFarland, the Sunset Cove owner, said he would meet with abutters and noted proceeds benefit the Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
Council approved the Safe Harbor variance with a maximum of 75 dBA (vote recorded 5–1). The Aquidneck Avenue backyard variance was approved (vote recorded 5–1). The Sunset Cove variance for two Mac McAnally concerts (July 1–2, 5–8 p.m.) was approved after the owner agreed to meet with neighbors and councilors noted that police can respond to noise complaints and enforce the townnoise ordinance.
What happens next: The events may proceed with the approved variances; neighbors can file noise complaints if levels exceed permitted limits, and the council encouraged voluntary neighborhood meetings between event operators and abutters to resolve recurring livability concerns.
