The discussion about the Chatham Squire’s request revealed a deep divide between the establishment’s desires and the community’s expectations for tranquility. Residents expressed concerns about noise and safety, urging the board to reject the extension of smoking hours. The existing regulations required the patio to close by 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 p.m. on weekends, with the Planning Board recommending these hours be upheld to protect neighboring properties. Letters from residents, some of whom live directly behind the Squire, highlighted ongoing issues with noise and disturbances, particularly late at night when patrons linger in the parking lot.

During the public hearing, several residents voiced opposition, emphasizing the need for quiet evenings. Chris Craraven, a nearby resident, urged the board to deny the request, noting the excessive noise already generated by the patio. Margaret and Steven Heck echoed these concerns, stating their desire for peaceful evenings with open windows, free from the noise of the patio. Joe Ryan raised questions about enforcement, questioning how rules regarding smoking and noise would be managed if the hours were extended.

The board also considered comments from local business owners, like David Oenheim, who found the request “comically ridiculous” and disrespectful to residents. Several residents drew parallels to other problematic establishments in nearby towns and warned of potential increases in disturbances if the Squire’s request was approved.

Representatives from the Chatham Police and Fire Departments participated in the discussion, with Chief Anderson noting that a controlled smoking area on the patio could potentially alleviate some public safety concerns. However, he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures in reducing noise. Miss Neil, representing the Squire, defended the request by highlighting security measures and the desire to maintain a positive relationship with neighbors. She argued that allowing smoking on the patio would prevent patrons from dispersing into less controlled environments, which could lead to safety issues.

Despite these arguments, the board members unanimously opposed the request, citing overwhelming resident opposition and concerns about noise disruption. They emphasized that the Squire had already been granted generous operating hours and should adhere to the original agreements. The request’s denial was rooted in a commitment to preserving the neighborhood’s peace and maintaining the established guidelines for outdoor operations.

In addition to the Chatham Squire’s issue, the board addressed several other topics. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the fee structure for businesses using town facilities. The board debated a new policy requiring businesses to share 20% of their revenue with the town, a significant increase from the previous 10% fee. Jennifer Norton from Chatham Lighthouse Beach Yoga voiced concerns about the timing and impact of this change, noting the challenges it posed for her advertising efforts. In response, board members expressed sympathy and proposed maintaining the 10% fee for returning businesses for the current year, allowing them time to adjust to the new structure.

Another major topic of discussion was the upcoming committee assignments and the summer meeting schedule. The board deliberated on their roles and responsibilities, with members expressing preferences for specific committee assignments. The importance of maintaining good relationships within committees was emphasized, and the need for members to contribute meaningfully to the town’s governance was highlighted. The board also agreed on a summer meeting schedule, with meetings set to start at 5:00 p.m. and continue through October 14th.

The meeting concluded with discussions on committee board commission reappointments and interviews. The board planned a “marathon” session to expedite the interview process. The board confirmed their intent to continue with established interview protocols, emphasizing the importance of fair and timely evaluations.