Dear Selectmen,
Evolution is occurring in downtown Turners Falls! So many people have put time, effort and financial resources into the downtown and now, at last, these efforts are making wonderful impacts. Town, state and federal money have been invested in the downtown to compliment walk-ability and livability. Tourism is increasing. The activities of the Shea Theater, new small business openings, market rate residential tenants, substantial investments in mixed use buildings, the revamped bridge, all are changes to a downtown that has been struggling for too many years.
I remember the 1970s and 1980s with the less than enviable atmosphere. The downtown was very much a “honky-tonk” town — numerous bars, strip bars, bands and eventual real estate vacancies and bankruptcies. Depressing and sad memories indeed … Do you want people to want to move here, to want to live here, to want to stay here? The citizens of Montague pay property taxes. Do you want to encourage disinvestment because of a desire for loud music?
Please, I urge you, don’t allow outdoor live entertainment except by special permit for special occasions. Loud bars and outdoor bands are fun. Special events and a party once in awhile are great fun. Daily or weekly loud outdoor music, especially at night, are not fun for neighbors. The town manager, the Board of Health director, and the building inspector are unanimous in recommending that live outdoor entertainment be allowed by special permit on special occasions only. These recommendations are based on current law and an understanding of the conditions necessary to further encourage investment and positive growth.
I encourage you to uphold these recommendations. Why is anything else even a possibility? Please support the Town professional staff, the many downtown businesses and tenants and the tax-paying community at large to continue the positive forward momentum. Please don’t allow live bands outside. Please don’t push the downtown back toward those down years.
Janet Gezork
Montague