Pembroke Select Board Addresses Noise Complaints from Somewhere Else Tavern
PEMBROKE - August 20 - The Pembroke Select Board heard emotional testimony from a resident regarding noise from the Somewhere Else Tavern's outdoor live music, which he said has made it impossible for his family to sleep at night. The board had previously granted the tavern a live entertainment permit and scheduled the check-in to address ongoing complaints from the community. The tavern's representatives apologized for a past violation and proposed immediate mitigation efforts, including sound-absorbing blankets and redirecting speakers, which the board accepted as a temporary solution.
The Full Story
The discussion began with the Select Board Chair acknowledging multiple complaints from residents about the noise levels from the outdoor entertainment, noting she had received text messages with audio clips. A representative for Somewhere Else Tavern admitted to a violation of their permit, explaining that a "rock and roll band" had shown up for what was supposed to be a low-key open mic event. They clarified that this was a miscommunication and that they were in the process of shutting it down when police arrived.
A resident, Shane Gokey of 69 School Street, described the impact of the noise on his family, which includes a one-year-old and a two-year-old. "I might as well be sitting front row at the show from the time it starts until it's over," he stated, adding that his bedroom is approximately 80 feet from the stage. Gokey explained that his family drives around on Fridays and Saturdays until the shows are over so his children can fall asleep. He played an audio clip for the board, recorded from his children's bedroom, and said he could feel the bass and drums.
Board members suggested potential solutions. Member Richard Flynn inquired about adding baffling to the fence, and the representatives said they would be willing to install soundproof blankets inside the tent and re-aim the speakers. They also pledged to be more vigilant about volume levels.
In other business, the board addressed several key motions. They voted to approve a joint petition from National Grid and Verizon to install a new utility pole on Pembroke Woods Drive. They also granted a one-day liquor license to New England Forest for a grand opening celebration at their Riverside Sports Complex on September 20, 2025. The Pembroke Historical Society was also approved for a one-day liquor license for a "campfire night" fundraiser on September 5, 2025.
A special permit for a backyard wedding at 58 Kings Terrace on September 13, 2025, was discussed, specifically regarding the live music scheduled until 11 p.m.. One board member expressed concern that the late hour was "excessive" for a residential neighborhood. The permit was ultimately approved, but it was made "subject to the approval of the Pembroke Police Chief".
The board also discussed ten articles for the fall special town meeting warrant. The articles include requests for capital funding, a change to the town clerk's position from elected to appointed, and a new anti-noise bylaw. The board voted unanimously to include all ten articles in the warrant.
The Select Board also discussed the Pembroke Historical Society's request for a donation of the town's 300th-anniversary books. Town Manager Bill Chenard noted that donating the books would violate the statute against giving something of value to a private organization. The board decided to place the matter on the agenda for their next meeting to allow for public notice and to determine a fair price for the books to be sold to the historical society.
Why It Matters
The decision by the Select Board impacts residents in two main ways. First, it acknowledges the real-world impact of the noise from Somewhere Else Tavern on neighboring families and takes a first step toward a resolution by mandating specific actions from the business. Second, the board's vote to include the anti-noise bylaw and the proposal to change the town clerk position from elected to appointed on the town meeting warrant indicates a move toward more professionalized municipal governance.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To grant approval to National Grid and Verizon on their joint petition (Plan 3-1-1-2-6-3-3-8) to install a new pole on Pembroke Woods Drive. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 08:57:00)
Motion: To approve the request of Riverside Sports Complex for a one-day liquor license for their grand opening on September 20, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 11:07:00)
Motion: To approve the request of Pembroke Historical Society for a one-day license to serve beer and wine on September 5, 2025, at Ada Hall House. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:56:00)
Motion: To approve the special permit application for a backyard wedding at 58 King's Terrace on September 13, 2025, subject to the approval of the Pembroke Police Chief. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:57:00)
Motion: To approve the application of Radwan Al-Karash (Auto Deals) for a new Class III auto dealer's license at 3-0 Colony Terrace. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:40:00)
Motion: To include all ten articles as submitted for the fall special town meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 44:11:00)
Public Comment
A resident, Shane Gokey, addressed the board to describe the personal impact of noise from the Somewhere Else Tavern, providing video and audio clips as evidence of the high noise levels affecting his family and home.
What's Next
The owners of Somewhere Else Tavern will implement sound mitigation measures this weekend, including lowering volume, redirecting speakers, and installing sound-absorbing blankets. Gokey will follow up with the board to report on whether the changes have made a difference. The Select Board will put the discussion of the 300th-anniversary books on their September 10, 2025, agenda to allow for public notice and to determine a sales price for the books to the Historical Society. The articles approved for the fall town meeting will be further discussed on September 10th and 24th.