Adams Neighbors Angry Over Noise, Dogs
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"I don't like calling the police. They've got better things to do," said Archie Utter at Wednesday's public hearing over noise complaints at the Polish National Alliance.
Utter, who has placed numerous calls to the police over excessive noise at the PNA this past year, said the noise and conduct of patrons outside of the 13 Victory St. building bothered him.
The sound from the PNA, with windows adjacent to his house, often sounds louder inside his home than outside, he said. He added that the music only bothers him when the entertainment is located in the bar area at the front of the building.
Police Chief Donald A. Poirot told the board he had taken steps to mediate the situation between Utter and the PNA, but that a solution wasn't able to be worked out.
Another neighbor said patrons leaving the PNA had vomited and urinated on her property.
"This is more than just an issue of noise," she said, adding that she didn't feel safe bringing her daughter outside.
Attorney Stephen Pagnotta, of Donovan & O'Connor LLP, represented the PNA. He pointed out that the PNA had been in the location for more than 70 years in its "current form and function."
"The PNA continues to be a good citizen of this community," said Pagnotta.
The attorney also said the PNA had made efforts to minimize the noise by moving the band to the back hall whenever possible and by adding more staff to monitor patrons at the door. In addition, he offered that the PNA had ordered soundproofing material for the windows that are adjacent to Utter's house.
The Selectmen ruled to continue the hearing until the Dec. 17 meeting to allow time for the soundproofing to be implemented. Selectmen Edward MacDonald abstained from the hearing.
Dog Complaint
The second hearing involved multiple citations for unrestrained dogs against William McLear at 20 Turners Ave.
"As of this date, 32 citations have been issued to this family," said Poirot and added, "the only alternative I have is to take this in front of the board."
Animal officer Terry Moran said he had written 27 citations this year for unrestrained dogs and an unlicensed dog, with all but one citation carrying a $300 fine. He added that the courts had often reduced the fines.
Harold and Barbara Crews told the board that one of the McLear's unleashed dogs had attacked their dog while Barbara Crews was out for a walk and that their dog had to be taken to a vet. The Crews also voiced frustration over the town not being able to do more.
"This is not a dog problem, it's an enforcement problem," said Barbara Crews.
McLear admitted that his dogs sometimes get loose, but he said he had taken steps to keep them restrained, including putting a $3,000 addition onto the fence in his yard. McLear also questioned whether his dog had attacked the Crews' dog.
"They're not vicious dogs," McLear said. He also said some of the citations were his son's, who has the same name.
At times the hearing became heated, with Crews arguing with McLear and speaking out of turn. Chairman Joseph C. Solomon told Crews he needed to hear both sides and, after she continued to talk over McLear, the Solomon called her out of order.
Town Counsel Edmund St. John III informed the board that it had the authority to make an order. The Selectmen then asked the police chief for his recommendation.
"The Adams Police is at wit's end with these animals. The reason why I'm here tonight is to state that these dogs need to be restrained," Poirot said.
The board voted to order McLear to restrain his dogs. If the order is violated, he would face criminal charges that could include fines and jail time.
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