Neighbors and owners clash at Larchmont hearing over Locals' special permit renewal

Mayor Bauer opened a public hearing Oct. 20 on renewal of a special permit for Locals, the second-floor event space at 2128 Boston Post Road, and the board heard more than an hour of testimony before adjourning the hearing to Nov. 17 so consultants and the applicant can submit additional materials.

The hearing centered on two competing narratives: neighbors say Locals' live and amplified music has produced low-frequency vibration and sleep disruption that the village's noise rules do not adequately address; the applicant says police records, engineering reports and community support show compliance with the village code.

Josh Kimberling, an attorney for Locals, told trustees Locals operates in the RC zoning district and, he said, "there can't be a genuine dispute that Locals has always complied with the village's code on noise." Kimberling cited police checks and consultant reports that, he said, show decibel readings below the limits referenced in the code.

Residents and their attorney pressed a different account. Helen March, who represents residents including Jules Alexander Del Bacchio, argued Locals misrepresented its planned "low-intensity" use when seeking the original permit and said the board may impose more restrictive standards than the numerical decibel threshold. March told the board that where the village has stricter rules "that's what applies" and urged trustees to deny renewal until Locals demonstrates required mitigation.

An acoustics expert retained by residents, David Leggenhousen of Cerami Associates, summarized field measurements and his professional judgment: "What we measured was a 20-decibel increase between the ambient condition and the noise level when the event was occurring," and he said that increase produced audible lyrics inside an adjacent residence and felt vibration in partitions driven by low-frequency energy. Leggenhousen recommended a full noise study and a comprehensive mitigation package to address flanking paths (windows, skylights and structural transmission) rather than piecemeal fixes.

Several residents described concrete effects on daily life. Michelle Cirillo, who lives at 3 Post Alley with her 6-year-old son, recounted repeated nights of sleep disruption and anxiety for the child, saying "Every night before bed, he looks at me and asks, 'Will the music start during the night?'" She asked the board not to renew the permit. Other neighbors described rattling glassware, bass-driven vibration and a lasting decline in quiet enjoyment.

Locals' owner Shaney Sherman responded that the venue hosts many community events and fundraisers, provides space for children's programs and is not open as a nightly nightclub. Sherman said Locals has supported charitable causes and that many patrons, events and volunteer activities benefit Larchmont.

Public commenters were split: several speakers, including music-festival organizers and long-time business owners, urged the trustees to find a path forward that preserves downtown vibrancy while addressing neighbors' concerns. Others urged denial or strict conditions, including verified mitigation plans and time limits.

After extended public comment and technical testimony, Mayor Bauer moved to continue the public hearing to Nov. 17 so the applicant and board can review consultant feedback and any new materials; the motion carried. The board made no decision on renewal Oct. 20.

What happens next: the board will receive additional submissions in writing, the applicant will have first time to speak at the Nov. 17 continuation, and trustees indicated they expect time limits at the next hearing. No final action on the special permit was taken Oct. 20.