Winery owner objects to proposal for Orleans outdoor events permit
LAFARGEVILLE — At least one business owner in the town of Orleans was upset when he heard he might have to apply for a special-use permit for outdoor events next year.
Although the town Zoning Board's plan to create the permit is preliminary, Stephen J. Conaway of Thousand Islands Winery argues that additional regulations will only drive businesses out of town.
Mr. Conaway said the area is suffering from a decline in tourism and the town should find ways to encourage businesses to expand, rather than imposing unnecessary restrictions.
"Any additional license fees are a burden that the businesses can't take at this point," he said.
Zoning Board Chairman Lawrence A. Walldroff said the fees for the permit are not set in stone but the board is considering $75 for a three-year permit.
"It's not to tell them they can't have outdoor events," he said. "And it's not something that's above and beyond what other townships are doing."
Mr. Walldroff said the permits will allow the Zoning Board to limit the duration and frequency of outdoor events to keep both the community and businesses happy.
"We were getting some complaints on noise, but there were no ordinances, no way to address noise or parking issues," he said.
Once the Zoning Board works out the details for the new special use permit, it will propose it to the Town Council. The council will hold a public hearing and decide whether to adopt the ordinance.
"We haven't adopted it yet. We're only in the planning stages," Mr. Walldroff said.
He said it would take a couple of months to draft a resolution establishing fees and guidelines for the special-use permit.
Mr. Conaway said business owners have to prepare for a worst-case scenario.
"I've already made some changes in my business plans," Mr. Conaway said.
He said T.I. Winery has decided to participate in more out-of-town events next year and eliminate the "Winery Live" events that draw 60 to 100 visitors to the winery every Saturday,May through August.
Last year, the winery held 17 events — four special events and 13 "Winery Live" days. This year, it will hold only five special events at the winery and plans to participate in 37 out-of-town festivals.
Mr. Conaway said his winery has tried to be considerate to its neighbors and normally would host live music between 2 and 8 p.m.
"We would never have anything loud after 10 p.m.," he said. "We want to be good neighbors."
Mr. Conaway said that when the winery holds events, some of the Jefferson County sales tax it collects is returned to Orleans. However, he said, if the winery participates in more events in other counties, that tax money will end up in other towns.
"If I send my workers to another town or county, they are going to lose that tax base in the town of Orleans," he said.