WALLINGFORD–Stunned silence and gasps were heard after Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals voted to uphold a December 2014 cease-and-desist order against the Oakdale Theatre.
“We’re going to do our best to make sure the theater stays open, and that future events will be able to take place.” said Joan Molloy, the attorney representing LiveNation CT, the theater’s owner.
The cease-and-desist order stems from complaints dating back to summer 2014, in which nearby neighbors complained that the venue was causing a disturbance and disrupting their quality of life.
After an investigation into the matter, the town issued the order based on three criteria: inappropriate VIP parking; activities being held in the dome area of the theater, which weren’t in the original plan; and the noise level coming from the venue during concerts.
“When there’s a violation, there’s a violation,” said Kacie Costello, Wallingford’s town planner. “Regardless of anything else, you’re either following the rules or you’re not, and that’s really the question tonight.”
During an extensive meeting that ran nearly four hours Wednesday night, the board heard testimony from various parities arguing if the Oakdale Theatre was in violation of the cease-and-desist or in compliance with town ordinances.
“I don’t deny that they’ve heard it so there’s no misunderstanding, but it goes to the fact that if you move next to a theatre, there’s bound to be some traffic and some sound,” said Jim Koplik, LiveNation CT’s president, during his testimony to the board.
Around 10:40 p.m. the board voted to uphold the original cease-and-desist order, which means the Oakdale must stop all activities which constitute a violation of town ordinances.
The biggest question is whether or not concerts will continue at the venue.
Molloy said she didn’t wish to speculate, but will continue the appeals process and take the fight all the way to the state Supreme Court if necessary.
The next scheduled show at the Oakdale Theatre is a performance by Flogging Molly on June 18.
