A proposed DIY live music space in Allston is hosting an open house and “community information session” tonight to address ongoing neighborhood noise issues.
Allston Rock City Hall, known as ARCH and part of the three-year-old Studio 52 rehearsal and studio space, is inviting residents, community leaders, and most specifically, the Allston Civic Association, to its 52 Everett St. location tonight. Those interested in attending are urged to RSVP at archcommunitymeeting@gmail.com.
At an informational session last Wednesday before the ACA, ARCH’s team presented their efforts to address noise complaints from neighbors. Because they were the final (of four) agenda item called and the public library’s Honan-Allston branch has a strict curfew for meetings, ARCH were only able to present their developments for a few minutes, which centered around noise studies and the planning installation of three-inch-thick “sound absorber composites.” Those will be added to the structure’s roof (see designs below); they were compared to the “heavy blankets” used by dentists when taking x-rays.
Due to time limitations at last week’s hearing, none of ARCH’s two dozen supporters in attendance were able to speak. But one staunch objector to ARCH receiving a live music license vehemently voiced his displeasure over the space. “This is a quiet neighborhood,” said David Daynard of 15 North Beacon St., the 15-storey structure that towers over Allston establishments like the Model, Lone Star Taco Bar, and Deep Ellum. “It has been an ongoing problem for two years, and I’ve contacted numerous neighborhood officials. They [Studio 52] stay quiet for three days, then it starts back up again.”
Paul Berkeley, president of the ACA, said the zoning for the Studio 52 spaces does not allow for an entertainment license. But ARCH representatives said they wanted to fix any perceived sound issues before approaching the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
“It’s not an easy process, we just wanted to let everyone know we are trying,” said Studio 52 owner Rich Anton.
Below are some of the materials ARCH supplied to the ACA last week:
