By Greg Ellison

(Aug. 26, 2021) Less concerned about the musician count than decibel levels, the Berlin Planning Commission voted 6-1 last week to permit amplified music at Berlin Commons community space between Gay and Jefferson streets.

The sole opponent during the meeting last Wednesday was commission member Newt Chandler.

The Berlin Commons project proposed by Buzz Meadery owners Brett and Megan Hines was approved in May by the Planning Commission after receiving the go-ahead from the Berlin Historic District Commission earlier that month.

The Hines, who launched the Buzz Meadery last June to produce and distill “honey wine,” converted the triangle-shaped dirt lot to a public space for special events and outdoor dining.

Since then, Berlin Commons has generated considerable foot traffic and been well received by neighbors, Megan Hines said.

The Buzz Meadery owners have been hosting gatherings, which in some instances have included musical accompaniment, on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday from 2-9 p.m.

Although the venue had been allowed to host non-amplified performers, hearing them hasn’t been easy, Megan Hines said.

“We’ve tried individual musicians with either a guitar, violin or keyboards and it’s been tough to hear them,” she said. “Even on the small property that we have.”

Chatter from adults and children, passing delivery trucks and general traffic flow has tended to drown out music, she said.

Hines said although the pair’s intention is to limit entertainment to as few performers as possible, allowing musicians to use amplifiers will make delivering the music easier.

“I’m not looking for a rock band or something really loud,” she said.

Hines said the initial reception from neighboring property owners appears to be positive.

“We have spoken with the neighbors [and] a lot of them have been our customers,” she said. “They express a lot of support for the property and like what we’ve done.”

Hines said most residents have failed to take issue with weekend music at the site.

“They didn’t see a problem as long as it’s over early enough so it’s not a noise hazard,” she said.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said no public comments were received about the amplification request.

Chandler, who also voted against approving the public space in May, said the site should not be allowed to host a larger ensemble “blaring,” music audible in the nearby vicinity.

Hines replied that the couple’s plan is to turn up the volume just enough to allow the music to be heard comfortably.

Although Chandler asked if Hines would allow the Planning Commission to regulate the volume of performances, Engelhart replied that would be the province of the police or planning departments.

“It’s going to be complaint driven through the [Berlin] Police Department or [Planning] Department,” he said.

Engelhart said law enforcement would respond to noise complaints while his department would be responsible for enforcement

Berlin Economic & Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the Berlin Commons stage was oriented so it would project sound towards the commercial corridor.

“I have been there, and it was hard to hear,” she said.

Commission member Pete Cosby suggested the amplification request be granted on a trial basis, with the exact number of players not specified.

“The noise level is not dependent on the number of people,” he said. “I’m willing to be reasonable because you can make this work.”

Cosby said any noise complaints generated would be referred to the Planning Commission, which could revoke its approval.

“Keep the neighbors happy,” he said.