The popularity of Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel seems to be well-deserved, but some neighbors and town officials would be happy if Bentley Warren’s success at his Route 1 business was not quite so ”¦ booming.
It’s an enterprise that apparently succeeds by knowing the preferences of its clientele and providing good food, drink and entertainment. Roadhouses have a long and rich history; they are an essential part of our commercial culture.
Bentley’s is especially welcoming to motorcycle riders, a gregarious group that feels at home in an environment of noise and crowds. Unfortunately, some neighbors are not comfortable with the kind of din caused by the comings and goings of some of Bentley’s more irrepressible customers, and they have turned to the town for relief.
Noise and crowds are issues that deserve public discussion and oversight. Bikers may be friendly and easy-going individuals, but several hundred of them having a good time is more than most neighborhoods would put up with. Zoning regulations are intended to deal with such problems, but it seems clear that Bentley’s regularly violates local rules by taking in more customers than town zoning allows.
Selectmen sought to address this problem of excessive crowds by bending the rules. In June, the board granted a mass gathering permit to Bentley’s Saloon covering every weekend through October.
Neighbors irked by the noise now argue that the selectmen exceeded their authority and they make a strong case. It has been pointed out, for instance, that a mass gathering permit is intended to allow special events, not the usual weekend commerce of a restaurant and bar.
Selectman Thomas Danylik, a lawyer, opposed granting the permit, arguing that the board does not have the authority to undermine town zoning in this manner. Town attorney William Dale advised the board not to grant it, saying there is good reason to believe that the mass gathering ordinance is intended to cover only one-time events like fairs and assemblies.
Selectmen may have been making a good faith effort to control crowds without cramping Bentley’s weekend business. But the board is not empowered to broker a compromise by waiving zoning rules. If Arundel wants to amend its zoning to accommodate Bentley’s Saloon, it will take meetings, public hearings and a town vote.
Many people believe that neighbors’ complaints shouldn’t interfere with the rambunctious and successful Bentley’s enterprise. But inconvenient as it may seem, the neighbors have rights that deserve serious attention.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.
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