WORCESTER — Some city residents oppose the Marine Corps League’s efforts to get an entertainment license to hold outdoor fundraising events on weekends throughout the year, because it will bring increased traffic and noise to the neighborhood.
“These people are running wild…this is run like an open nightclub in a residential zone,” said Anthony Russell of the MCL’s recent history of hosting entertainment at 181 Lake Ave.
Russell owns two single-family homes near the MCL, at 165 and 175 Lake Ave., according to city assessor’s records.
He made his comments during Thursday’s License Commission meeting, and noted he spoke on behalf of several residents who oppose the license request.
The commission postponed a decision until its Dec. 2 meeting, because it needs more information from city departments on zoning, occupancy limits and other details.
The MCL is in contact with neighbors and the city to address concerns about noise and traffic, said Jon Zwirblia, MCL commandant.
“All we want is to be good neighbors,” Zwirblia told the commission, adding that funds raised from outdoor events will support Marine Corps members, their families, the community and Worcester.
The central question appears to be — can the MCL hold outdoor events in a residential neighborhood 52 weeks out of the year? That was the question posed by commission Chairman Walter Shea, adding he’s thinks the commission can grant the license, but he isn’t sure.
Weekend entertainment hours in the license request are 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Commission member Barbara Haller stated she was ready to deny the license, but needs information from the city to clear up any confusion.
According to Russell, the MCL can’t have a license because residential zones prohibit outdoor entertainment throughout the year.
Walter Bird, spokesman for City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr., confirmed after Thursday’s meeting the MCL is located in a RL7 zone, which is classified as residential.
“That’s what they’re trying to determine,” Bird said, in reference to city departments doing the leg work to answer the central question of what is allowed year-round. “There’s no simple answer.”
Fairness is an issue
It’s wrong for the MCL to get an outdoor entertainment license for every weekend, Russell said, when all other groups in the city have to request one for each event.
Russell mentioned motorcycles arriving at League gigs that rattle neighborhood homes. Plus, passengers on boats docked behind the MCL on Lake Quinsigamond that Russell said swell crowds beyond legal occupancy limits.
Neighbors have no problem with the MCL holding events inside. It’s outdoors that is the problem.
“Let them do what they want inside, that’s why they built the building, but not outside,” Russell said.
Not the first time
Neighbors complained to the city before about loud noise coming from outdoor entertainment at the League.
All live music shows scheduled for two weekends late last month at the MCL were canceled except for one gig, which was moved indoors.
More:Marine Corps League cancels outdoor concerts after neighbors complain
From May to October, the League was offering live outdoor entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, and Saturdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @henrytelegram
