Politics & Government
City Council May Hit the Mute Button on Clifton Barn
Decision could hinder Ward 2 businesses and restaurants who want to throw or organize outdoor events with loud music or entertainment.
Outdoor parties with music and entertainment may soon become a thing of the past at Olde Avon Village's Clifton Barn.
During Monday’s work session, City Council members listened as Candlewood Drive resident John Bertrand and Olde Avon Village owner Ron Larson squared off on a noise issue that’s reached its boiling point.
Bertrand has lodged several noise complaints against Larson to the police, claiming the restaurateur violated the terms of his special outdoor use permit by letting bands and disc jockeys play loud music on the Clifton Barn’s outdoor patio. But Larson said he’s followed the rules and that the parties attract good business to the former Henry’s at the Barn location.
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“It’s totally unacceptable what goes on back there,” Bertrand said. “When I have all my doors and windows closed and my pictures are vibrating on the wall, it’s too loud.”
Several councilmen spoke up, praised Larson for his contributions to the Avon business community, but ultimately sided with Bertrand.
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“I think the best way to alleviate the situation is to have no outdoor entertainment on that patio,” Ward 2 councilman Dennis McBride said.
“This isn’t just a Ron Larson issue…This is an issue for the entire district.”
Council members then asked if the two neighbors could reconcile the matter by perhaps cutting the volume level and playing songs with lighter instrumentation.
Larson responded saying that DJs should be able to play what they want and aired his frustrations on how city officials were handling the matter.
“The French Creek was supposed to be a historic remnant of what was, and we followed that plan,” he said. “We did. We bought into it, hook, line and sinker. You reeled us in. And now, all these restrictions…”
McBride ended the discussion with a recommendation that the special use permit be adjusted, and council president Craig Witherspoon agreed.
Witherspoon said he’d refer the matter to Avon’s legal committee, which is set to convene next Monday to begin resolving the issue.