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Beacon board keeps public hearing open on proposed karaoke bar; orders independent noise review and drafts conditions
Summary
The board continued the public hearing on a proposed karaoke bar at 1154 North Avenue, pressing the applicant for more robust noise mitigation, independent acoustical review, and tighter hours. The public provided mixed testimony; the board authorized staff to draft a resolution with conditions for next month.
The Beacon Planning Board left the public hearing open on a site‑plan application for a proposed karaoke bar at 1154 North Avenue after a lengthy exchange about noise, hours, and enforcement. The applicant (Eric Weidner, speaker 11) presented revised plans, an operational management plan, a parking graphic, and an acoustic consultant report; board members pressed for independent review, post‑construction testing, and enforceable plan elements to be incorporated into the approved site plan.
During the hearing several residents urged denial or substantial conditions. A neighbor who lives immediately behind the venue (speaker 15) urged an independent preconstruction evaluation of the sound‑mitigation plan, repeated on‑site assessments during construction, and routine testing plans; he asked who would be liable if measures failed. Supporters (Megan McInnes, speaker 12; Nicole, speaker 13) countered that contained private karaoke rooms offer a family‑friendly, multigenerational option that Beacon currently lacks. The board noted that previous local approvals for entertainment venues required detailed noise‑control conditions — soundlock entries, double doors, glazing, exterior fencing, and post‑construction compliance testing — and agreed those elements should be included if the project proceeds.
Board members asked the applicant to consider narrower hours: several members said operations past midnight were likely unacceptable in the nearby residential context. The applicant said hours were modeled on other Main Street venues and offered to revisit the Sunday/holiday late‑night ceiling. The building inspector and planner recommended that any sign application be submitted with the site plan so the building department can process sign permits concurrently.
Action taken: the board authorized the planning board attorney to draft a resolution containing conditions for noise mitigation, post‑construction testing, and limits on hours; the motion to authorize drafting passed by voice vote (motion by Kevin; second by Karen). The public hearing remains open until the board receives an independent acoustical review and the applicant provides any requested revisions.
