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Oakdale Theater appears to have passed legal hurdles

WALLINGFORD — At Monday’s Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, three projects were approved within 45 minutes. The discussion of the ...

WALLINGFORD -- At Monday's Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, three projects were approved within 45 minutes. The discussion of the fourth agenda item, the future of the Oakdale Theater, took almost two hours.

That's par for the course on the issue which has been on and off the agenda for months. It's incited rallies and inspired more than 11, 000 people to sign a petition called "Save the Oakdale."

At this latest town meeting, one woman, who people identify as the main person involved in noise complaints against the theater, read a lengthy statement about how loud concerts have disrupted her life for the last 7 years. Neighbors said it is unusual to see the opponent speak out at meetings or even attend one.

The woman said she's received death threats because of her opposition, adding "this is not popularity contest. This is about breaking the law," referencing noise levels that allegedly exceed state regulations.

She called some efforts to save the theater 'a witch hunt' and said that she is 'entitled to peace and quiet.'

Representatives for Live Nation, which operates inside of the Oakdale, said they've made efforts to mitigate noise since the beginning of 2015 including the installation of a sound door and sound mats, setting curfews for concerts and modifying agreements with performers to limit sound levels.

At least one resident in the neighborhood directly behind the Oakdale told FoxCT off camera that he has noticed a difference in noise. The recently sold-out Lady Gaga/Tony Bennett concert was not an issue, he said.

Planning and Zoning officials listened to a presentation by Live Nation attorney Joan Molloy, then questioned her and other Live Nation representatives about setting limits on concert end times and practices by performers.  After also considering comments from the public (the majority of which were positive), officials approved a special permit with conditions regarding  parking, the use of a performance space at the Oakdale called 'The Dome,' and curfews.

Molloy told FoxCT it is unclear if that permit approval means the cease and desist order levied by the town against the Oakdale is lifted. She did say she felt positive about it.

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