Scituate Select Board approves outdoor dining extension
The Galley receives approval for seasonal outdoor seating using two public parking spaces, while new standardized entertainment rules aim to address noise complaints from neighbors.
SCITUATE - June 24 - The Scituate Select Board voted 3-2 Monday night to approve The Galley's request for seasonal outdoor dining that will occupy two public parking spaces on Front Street, while also establishing new standardized entertainment license requirements designed to address ongoing noise concerns from residents.
The outdoor dining extension at 95 Front Street will run through Sept. 28, allowing five tables and 20 chairs in the space currently used for public parking. The approval comes with specific time restrictions: outdoor seating must end at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
The decision sparked debate among board members and residents about the balance between supporting local businesses and maintaining public access to parking spaces.
Board member Susan Harrison expressed concerns about equity, noting that some restaurants have access to sidewalk space while others do not. "I do think maybe some traffic rules, it's not to discuss, not to sign up tonight, but maybe a larger issue that are traffic rules in the money that we have," Harrison said.
Gordon Bryce, representing the Edmond Monroe Group, opposed the proposal during public comment. "After having spent 45 years in the harbor, running my business, I was involved in many parking issue battles," Bryce said. "Those two parking places probably turn over conservatively, 12, 13, 14 times a day, times two, that's 25, that's 30. Uses those two spaces."
Pete, a resident at 91 Front Street, raised noise concerns about outdoor dining. "I can tell you, someone sitting at an outside table, what they're telling you, what joke they're telling you. It's that. So it's a challenge to be fair to all concerned," he said.
The vote passed 3-2 with Chair Andrew Goodrich and Freya Schlegel voting against.
The board also approved modifications to The Galley's entertainment license, part of a broader effort to standardize entertainment regulations across all establishments. The new rules require all venues to close windows and doors at 10 p.m. every night, while music can continue until 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
"I think the timing is simply a question of making a decision," said Goodrich. "I think it's almost in line with what we were just talking about with outdoor seating."
The standardization effort aims to simplify enforcement for police officers who previously had to determine whether establishments were violating complex, venue-specific rules about the number of musicians or types of instruments allowed.
"The police are the important. They're the ones that get calls. They get the calls. If it's standard, they'll know. These are the requirements. It's just easier," Goodrich explained.
A neighbor requested assurance about enforcement of the new 10 p.m. window and door closure rule. "I just feel. Yeah, I'm listening to. I'm just wondering. 10 o'clock seems like a reasonable time. I'm just wondering what commitment is there to enforcing the 10 o'clock," he said.
The board emphasized that the new rules make violations easier to identify and enforce. Previously, officers had to determine whether a venue had too many musicians or the wrong type of amplification, creating enforcement challenges.
In other business, the board conducted interviews for various committee positions, making several appointments.
The board also established a new Cushing Site Reuse Committee to determine future uses for the former Cushing Elementary School property. The committee will include representatives from the school committee, food pantry, affordable housing trust, and six citizen members.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau provided updates on several municipal projects, including the start of construction on a small dog park and ongoing water main work by National Water Main. He also announced that beach wheelchairs are available for sign-up through Sept. 1.
The board approved a standardized lease agreement template for historic properties, addressing concerns about outdated lease terms and inconsistent agreements across different town-owned historic buildings.
Additionally, the board approved budget transfers totaling $235,483 across various funds to address end-of-year budget adjustments, including increased costs for street lighting, natural gas, and school transportation that will be reimbursed by the state.
The meeting concluded with the assignment of board members to various committee liaison positions, with members discussing the need for better communication from committees through formal meeting invitations and more detailed agendas.