The Deerfield Selectboard has approved a new set of conditions for Tree House Brewing Co.’s entertainment license, addressing noise complaints from residents regarding the brewery’s summer concerts. This decision, made last week, aims to balance the interests of the local community with the brewery’s concert series.
Following 49 noise complaints during the recent Summer Stage concert series, the Selectboard introduced several measures designed to mitigate disturbances. These measures include a requirement that all outdoor concerts conclude by 10:30 p.m., with a stricter curfew of 10:00 p.m. for concerts held in September.
Initially, the Selectboard proposed a 9:30 p.m. cutoff, but Sarah Morin, chief growth officer at Tree House, advocated for a later end time. She argued that limiting the concert schedule would deter “more desirable acts” and disrupt the taproom’s operational hours, particularly for late arrivals. “It’s just the domino effect,” Morin explained during the discussions.
Selectboard Chair Trevor McDaniel acknowledged the impact of loud music during the early weeks of the school year and suggested a compromise. Morin proposed the 10:00 p.m. cap instead, emphasizing that the 9:30 p.m. limit would hinder opportunities beneficial to the community. The board ultimately agreed to adopt the 10:00 p.m. limit while requiring Tree House to demonstrate that its contracts with performers reflect this new condition.
In addition to the revised concert hours, the Selectboard has specified that Tree House must refrain from hosting concerts on August 26 and August 27, coinciding with the first days of school for Frontier Regional School students. Morin found this condition “completely understandable and manageable,” labeling these dates as “blackout dates” for bookings.
Tree House is also limited to a maximum of two concerts per week in September. The discussions highlighted concerns about school days in June, as students are often busy with final exams during that period. Selectboard member Blake Gilmore raised the issue, suggesting that similar conditions might apply to June concerts. However, McDaniel noted the unpredictability of the school calendar due to potential snow days, making it challenging to set specific guidelines.
Tree House’s concert schedule for the year included six concerts in June, twelve in July, nine in August, and four in September, with a seasonal limit of 100 concerts according to its special permit. The Selectboard plans to revisit Gilmore’s proposal regarding concert caps for school nights in the following year.
As part of the new entertainment license, Tree House must ensure that its sound engineering practices align with the World Health Organization’s standards for safe listening, which recommend a sound limit of 100 decibels. To further address noise concerns, the brewery’s sound system provider, Klondike Sound LLC, is required to conduct a sound study aimed at reducing low-frequency sound propagation during concerts. This study will involve adjusting speaker placements to minimize disruptive bass sounds, which have been a source of complaints from residents.
Morin indicated that Klondike has already commenced work on the study. “We are investing further resources to not just set it and forget it,” she stated, reinforcing Tree House’s commitment to being a good neighbor. Resident Matt Tuttle suggested that the sound study should include more specific measures, such as positioning the stage away from densely populated areas. McDaniel responded that the adjustments would be a work in progress rather than fixed requirements.
The entertainment license stipulates that events with more than 600 attendees must have an approved Event/Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This plan requires the approval of local safety officials and must be finalized at least 120 days before the first outdoor concert.
The Selectboard seeks to ensure a harmonious relationship between Tree House Brewing Co. and the Deerfield community while allowing the brewery to continue its concert series. As the summer concert season approaches, both the Selectboard and the brewery are committed to addressing concerns and fostering a positive environment for residents and concert-goers alike.
