News & Features

January 19, 2012

Waites Wharf complex seeks to increase decibels, expand entertainment license

By Tom Shevlin

NEWPORT -- The owners of the complex of bars and restaurants at the end of Waites Wharf has petitioned the city to expand its facility and increase the allowable decibel level permitted under their Class A and B entertainment licenses.

In three separate applications, @The Deck LLC, Riptides North LLC, and Waites Wharf Grille, LLC, all of which are owned by Scarsdale, N.Y. resident Thomas Abruzese, have asked the council to increase the allowable decibel levels at the popular venues from 65 dbs to 75 dbs, and to allow for outdoor entertainment along a 30x90-foot section of pier.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Harbour Realty, LLC, which is also owned by Abruzese, has asked the state's Coastal Resources Management Council to replace the existing lawn area at @The Deck with a 2,166-square foot outdoor deck.

According to Newport zoning ordinances, decibel levels of up to 75 dbs are normally allowed for businesses in general and waterfront business zones. Council members had initially limited the allowable level after neighbors expressed concern that the noise from the properties would have on the area.

The new applications have also prompted a round of early objections.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 18, four abutters have written to the council to formally raise their opposition to the application package.

Describing the complex as "an eyesore" to the city's waterfront, Coddington Wharf resident John Nicolace warned that Waites Wharf is "an over-crowded area of drinking-to-excess bars, unruliness and loud music." He added that he is "vehemently opposed to any increase in the Decibel rating requested for the Deck and Riptides" and likewise for the request for outdoor entertainment on the pier off of The Boat Dockside.

So too is Chandler Hovey, who noted that the timing of the application should be cause for concern.

"This location abuts at least 100 residences, including mine, which are infrequently occupied in winter and fully occupied during summer," Hovey wrote. "Scheduling public hearings in the middle of winter is a slap in the face for summer resident home owners whose real estate taxes pay for much of Newport's budget. How and by whom was this hearing scheduled? This needs to be investigated and the findings publicized. Why was the City Clerk's notice mailed with no date on it? The council needs to reschedule this hearing when a majority of abutters can reasonably be expected to be present. Too many changes that affect tax paying Newport summer residents are enacted under the cover of winter."

January 19, 2012

Latest Comments

  • ALL

    There's a lot of people complaining here about the noise level but none of you offer any solutions except to lower the volume so you live in an imaginary silent world where everyone goes to bed at 10PM. That's science fiction.

    What suggestions do you have to come to an agreement with local businesses (such as the Deck people)? Can you get over your selfishness to compromise?

    The reality here is that Newport is in trouble. Look at the headlines. With no active Navy to offer a year round cash flow, and no America's Cup to bring in international tourists, the city of Newport must rely on its' history and its' natural beauty and scenery to bring people in. But once the sun goes down and the mansions are closed, it's only natural that people would want to go out and eat/drink and socialize. Especially the young people (most of whom are not married, don't have kids and don't go to bed at 10PM).

    But with a dwindling, less diverse consumer culture, Newport businesses must do everything in their powers to maintain interest and keep people coming back. What's terribly, terribly disconcerting is that Newport is a town that came to international renown in the Jazz Age, and hosted an famous Jazz Festival for decades and there is not one single jazz club in town. Certainly the people who would patronize such a place on a regular basis either don't live here or no longer come here anymore. The people who do come here are young singles who want to go out and dance and listen to popular music and drink and be silly (or whatever). And businesses that have the chance are going to naturally seek ways to take advantage of that.

    I have lived here all my life and watched this town change so much. I'm not a young man anymore but I'm certainly not ready for Blenheim. I don't see things getting better because ever since we lost the Cup we've been on this downhill slide. Times change but greed and selfishness never go out of style. If we don't start thinking about ways to maintain and improve the community as a whole, we are going to end up like one of those forgettable towns on the Cape that opens for business on Memorial Day and shuts down on Labor Day (in a manner of speaking). More and more we are becoming a retirement community, or thinking as one.

    Perhaps raising the noise levels needs further study to be considerate of those who live in the area (even summer residents). We really need to examine our situation and work more closely with local businesses, because if we shut off their ability to generate income in our current economic climate, we risk endangering our fair city by shutting out businesses and alienating new ones.

    People flock to the wharves for one reason: because it's pretty to look at the harbor. You can get a drink anywhere: but the wharf restaurants and bars nearby are part of what draws people in. If those places go under, we risk becoming a 3rd rate tourist trap filled with taffy shops and t-shirt stores. And we've seen enough of that.

    Posted by FRED SULLIVAN January 25, 2012 09:40:35

  • Another Local

    In my observation this LOUD music is not just on weekends anymore. It is afternoons, weeknights and AFTER 1:00 am. When will this city step up and for once think about the local taxpayers and our rights to quiet enjoyment.

    Posted by LOUD Music January 24, 2012 10:06:42

  • the ordinance is the ordinance

    If the ordinance allows it, the the city council must approve it. Period. A business can not be expected to stop music at 10 pm either.

    Posted by resident January 24, 2012 08:59:18

  • again - understand the level of 75dB

    Ann,
    scroll down the comments section and review the comment that lists common sounds and their decibel levels. You are arbitrarily asking for "no amplification" and a max decibel level of 65 dB. Normal conversation is listed at 60-70dB and chamber music is listed at 75-85 dB. Amplified rock is listed at 120 dB.
    The noise of cars is louder than 75 dB. The point is - 75 dB is not very loud. And by the way, the police department most definitely checks decibel levels with meters. Also, the fact is that you live in an area that is inherently louder than a typical suburban residential area AND you live beside a business district, that too is inherently louder than a suburban residential area. You live in a city! Even if whaites wharf became vacant and completely silent, you would experience noises that are louder than 75dB. Times change and Lower Thames Street is a people destination in this day and age. Your perception of what this area "should be" is something that doesn't exist. Learn to live with it - or move to an area that is more suburban/residential/bucolic and less urban.

    Posted by SHS January 24, 2012 08:38:01

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