Ware Planning Board approves events at B&B with restrictions

Date: 7/12/2023

WARE — The Ware Planning Board’s July 6 meeting began with the reorganization of the board, with Ed Murphy III serving as chair, Richard Starodoj as vice chair and Elizabeth Hancock as recording secretary along with Kenneth Crosby and Christopher DiMarzio as members.

The meeting proceeded with the public hearing for Bird Hill Farm. Applicant Kenneth Chatel’s request for a modification of an existing special permit to allow for small events of 50 people and fewer on the premises of the approved bed and breakfast at 145 Upper Church St.

During the hearing, major concerns were brought up in terms of how many guests, staff, caterers and musicians Chatel would have because the bed and breakfast is in a residential neighborhood and there were complaints from a neighbor regarding loud music being played in the area, which led to a heated exchange between Chatel and this particular neighbor. At that moment, Chatel said he felt targeted and deeply expressed how much his business is his livelihood.

In the end, the Ware Planning Board unanimously approved the modification and instilled the following conditions:

1. That the proposed wooden sign at the driveway does not exceed 6 square feet in area, and that it be no higher than 6 feet from the ground below the sign to the top of the sign, and that it be placed such that it does not block the view of the roadway for people exiting the site
2. Events on the premises are limited to 50 guests, including staff);
3. Hours of operation for events shall be between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday
4. Amplified music events are permitted on the premises between the hours of 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
5. There shall be no parking on Church Street in connection to events hosted on the premises
6. Low level lights, in accordance with Section 6.3 of the zoning bylaws, are permitted on the premises during the hours of operation of outdoor events
7. That failure to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations shall be deemed cause to modify or revoke this special permit
8. The special permit may be transferable should ownership of the property were to change pending Planning Board review with the new owner.
9. All state and local zoning b laws, building codes and regulations must be adhered to and all necessary permits be obtained
10. The applicant will comply with all laws, regulations and requirements of the town of Ware, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the United States of America, the strictest of which shall prevail;
11. Given that no liquor license is being sought under this special permit, and only 30 one day liquor licenses are available in a calendar year; there is no limitation on the number of events; however, the Planning Board reserves the right to revisit this special permit and impose reasonable limitations if situations on the ground call for modifications.