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Date: 6/27/2022
MONSON – The revving of motorcycle engines and voices shouting “save the hill,” filled the Main Street air, while hundreds of Quaboag Riders and supporters filled the streets and sidewalks to protest the closing of their club.
Since 1944, the Quaboag Riders Club has been operating. However, on March 22, the club received a cease-and-desist order from the town to shut down operations. According to the club, the shutdown was made over “vague allegations.”
For three months, the nonprofit club made up of 100 members, has been unable to host any practices or races up the hill at 31 King Ave. In an effort to save the hill, a ride and protest took place prior to the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on June 23. On the agenda for the meeting was a public hearing for two appeals made by the Quaboag Riders against the Zoning Enforcement Officer. The appeals pertained to several violations of the town’s zoning bylaws and an event described as “Go Topless Day.”
About one hour before the meeting began in the Town Office Building, protesters put their kickstands down and stood waving flags and holding signs.
When the Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman David Beaudoin walked outside, individuals swarmed him. He explained that due to the crowd size, the public hearing would likely be postponed.
At 7 p.m., the doors opened for limited public entry, as the room has a maximum capacity of 49 people.
Beaudoin said, “Due to the fact that we have to have an open meeting law, the lawyers have agreed that we are going to continue the meeting.”
The counsel explained to attendees that when the meeting was scheduled, they did not know how many people would show up. “It’s an obligation under the open meeting law to make it accessible to anybody who wants to be here.” To make it accessible, the meeting needs to take place at a larger venue.
After deliberation on the meeting date, the board unanimously approved to move the public hearing to July 14 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at Memorial Hall, as the building can fit over 200 people.