The Oakdale Theater and the town of Wallingford are at odds over noise levels.
For decades, the Oakdale has brought in some of the biggest acts in music. In recent years, some residents living near the theater have been complaining about noise. The town put sound meters in the front yards of some of the homes closest to the Oakdale, and determined the noise level was unusual and excessive during concerts.
Noise complaints spiked last year, which prompted Wallingford to issue the Oakdale a cease-and-desist order. The claim said they were violating a permit by hosting concerts in the dome section of the theater, which they said is to be used only as a lobby.
Wallingford believes those dome concerts are the primary cause of the noise complaints.
"Events and shows have been occurring in the dome since 1997," said attorney Joan Molloy, who represents the Oakdale.
Molloy believes the dome events do not violate their permit, and that the noise complaints are coming from a small but vocal group of neighbors.
"There was a complaint about a Christmas show, there was complaints on days there were no shows," said Molloy. "We also had a group called the Pentatonix, which is an a cappella group [no instruments], and we got a complaint about them, too."
The theater has made changes to deal with the noise, like lowering decibel levels during shows, and installing sound resistant doors. Molloy said complaints have dropped off.
But just days ago, the town's Zoning Board of Appeals let stand the cease-and-desist order. Molloy said they had no choice but to shut down the Oakdale.
"The issue of closing comes as a consequence of the town choosing to enforce the "no noise" provision in the permit," Molloy said. "How do we operate a theater if we can't have any noise outside?"
But Jim Koplik, president of Live Nation CT said in a statement that despite the cease and desist order, the theater remains open.
"The Toyota Oakdale Theatre and The Dome at Oakdale remain open for business. All shows currently on sale will play as planned. We will be putting new shows on sale – and they will also play. In addition – we are in the process of booking more shows for both the theatre and The Dome. We expect to have an agreement with the Town of Wallingford and it’s Planning & Zoning Committee in the future. One thing everyone IS in agreement with – is to keep the Oakdale open."
Molloy said she hopes an application before the Planning and Zoning Commission that would change the conditions of their original permit will resolve the issue for good.
