Letters to the Editor
Journal Inquirer
Published: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:08 PM EST

I am writing on a matter of great concern to my neighborhood and the surrounding area.

TicketNetwork LLC is proposing to develop an outdoor concert venue that would operate from May to October on property located at 60 S. Frontage Road in Vernon, off exit 66 on Interstate 84. I am opposed to this proposed development for many reasons.

First, this proposed site borders on residential development on Tunnel and Bolton roads. Concerts are planned from 5 p.m. to midnight, with the last cars exiting the open-air facility by 1 a.m. Any open-air performance will generate noise, no matter what mitigating techniques are used. Several homes are within a few hundred feet of this property. State noise regulations prohibit entertainment facilities from causing emissions of excessive noise from disturbing residential areas “where human beings sleep or areas of serenity and tranquility [that are] essential to the intended use of the land” (22a-69-3.1 Req. of CT State Agencies).

Second, traffic generated by this facility will be hazardous to Vernon residents. South Frontage Road, the ramp for exit 66, and Tunnel and Bolton roads will have to accommodate almost 1,000 additional vehicles at performance times, and parking will be on both sides of Bolton Road, requiring pedestrians to cross the road to get to the concert site. Despite the best efforts of Vernon’s public safety departments, this configuration invites a host of tragic consequences, including personal injury, vehicle accidents, and loss of life.

Third, the proposed site is in a designated Department of Environmental Protection natural diversity area, where threatened species such as the box turtle, an aquatic shellfish, brown thrasher, and southern bog lemming have been found. Additionally, the site not only abuts two aquifer protection areas, which will be critical to the town’s future water supplies, it contains wetlands and is in within 150 feet of the Tankerhoosen River, a DEP-designated Class I wild trout management area, the first of its kind in Connecticut.

Lastly, the proposed venue calls for the sale of alcoholic beverages during performances. Even with restrictions imposed by the managers of this proposed venue, individuals will find ways around these obstacles and drink more than the established limits. With pedestrians crossing Bolton Road (probably not always in designated areas) and a huge number of cars exiting the facility, we will inevitably see personal injuries and vehicle damage.

I ask Vernon public officials to oppose this project for the reasons listed. The proposed concert venue is not compatible with neighboring uses and will hinder the future sound development of this fine community.

David J. McQuade
Vernon