Victory Lane in Standish, the bar on Oak Hill that closed not long ago, is about to come to life once more with a new owner and perhaps a new attitude.
Long known more or less affectionately as the “Dump on the Hump” to locals, the neighborhood tavern, located on Route 25, will reopen later this month as Memory Lane.
The Standish Town Council voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to approve requests from the establishment’s new owner, James Paquette, for a liquor license, an amusement permit, and a pool room license; but not before they heard some discussion from several Route 25 area residents.
Anne Farrar, of 15 and 25 Ossipee Trail East, began the debate by protesting the opening of another bar in that location, citing the noise, fights and illegal parking that happened in the past.
“In the survey for the Comprehensive Plan, the people want sidewalks, lights and the ability to walk to the market,” Farrar said. “I don’t think strolling past a bar between the cigarette butts and beer bottles is exactly the village dream people have in mind.”
Part of Paquette’s plan for the new bar includes live bands and DJs on some Friday and Saturday nights. Councilman Phil Pomerleau questioned him on where 100 or more people would park.
Paquette said he had permission to use the Thompson House parking lot and that he planned to have a doorman who would regularly check the lot for any signs of problems.
Pomerleau wanted written proof that Paquette has permission to use that lot. Pomerleau also commented on the noise level when the bar was last open.
Paquette assured him that his place would cater to a different crowd and he would have the level turned down.
When Councilor Larry Simpson also questioned the noise, recalling that the previous owner was required to shut the doors and windows in the summer, Paquette replied that he does not plan on having bands in the summer.
Several other residents, concerned with the atmosphere of the Village District, spoke out against the bar.
Eventually, Councilor Terrence Christy addressed Paquette.
“You’ve got a large obligation up there to be a good neighbor,” he said.
Paquette, and later his assistant, Carleen LaFlame, assured the council and residents that they want to be good neighbors. They both plan on being there to manage the bar, not to give the responsibility of its management to someone else. They said they are making many changes to the facility and want to hear from the community if there is any problem.
In an interview following the meeting, Paquette said that he wants to run a place where people who are over 30 or 35 feel they can go to dance to music they enjoy.
“People say there’s nowhere to go. I’m trying to create a place for couples to get out together,” Paquette said
Paquette, who has performed in bands for 25 years, says he has decorated Memory Lane with that age group in mind, featuring memorabilia from Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Happy Days and The Flying Nun.
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