Saying the business has met a number of Planning & Zoning conditions, the owners of a popular bar in downtown New Canaan are seeking permission to have outdoor music twice-weekly from May through October.
Located down an alley just past Chef Luis on Elm Street since it launched in 2019, The White Buffalo has reviewed letters of complaint about past outdoor events, established an acceptable decibel level, produced a site plan for the access, talked to neighbors and produced documentation requested by the Planning & Zoning Commission, owners Rich Hewitt and Chris Meier said in a letter to P&Z.
“We have combed through each complaint and made sure that we have addressed each complaint with sensitivity and empathy,” their letter said. “We feel we have addressed those complaints with our compliant actions. We have met with Chef Luis and feel we have come up with a great compromise to work together in order to generate business for both our restaurants. We will outline this compromise at the meeting. We also have assigned our new owner, Chris Meier, as the lead contact that will be available during all music nights to deal with and correct any issues that the band may cause. He will be the dedicated point person and will make sure all neighbors are properly cared for if they have any problems.”
They also “hired a music engineer to come out to the venue and test decibel levels that are acceptable to those surrounding us in town,” the letter said.
“We have carefully considered the potential impact on our neighbors and have taken measures to ensure that any noise generated by the live music will be within acceptable limits outlined by local regulations,” the letter said.
It continued: “We will work closely with local law enforcement to ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly. In addition to benefiting our establishment, live music events will also have a positive impact on the local economy. They will attract more visitors to our community, who will spend money at nearby businesses such as restaurants and retail stores. This will contribute to the growth and prosperity of our town. To demonstrate our commitment, we are willing to work with the Planning and Zoning Department to establish specific guidelines for live music events at White Buffalo. This may include restrictions on event timings, noise levels, and the number of events per month, among others. We are open to any suggestions or recommendations to ensure that the live music events are conducted in a responsible and considerate manner.”
They’re seeking to have two live bands per week from May 1 to Oct. 31, select bands for holidays and solo acoustic solo acts or small bands “on an open basis.”
P&Z is expected to take up the application at its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The White Buffalo has had dealings with the town in the past, though at least one early complaint lodged by a local woman proved unfounded.
Following problems with neighbors last summer, the bar and restaurant in October was denied its request for the outdoor events by P&Z pending changes to its operation.
Some neighbors have objected to the establishment’s amended zoning permit.
Mary Finnegan, store manager at Consider the Cook near the alley entrance, is asking that the White Buffalo permit be left as-is, allowing for two outdoor events the entire season, rather than twice per week.
“The volume of the music and the smoke from cooking were just part of the problem during the weekend events last summer,” Finnegan said in a letter to P&Z.
Finnegan continued: “The residual garbage, bottles, cigarette butts, etc. were left in the alleyway near and around our back entrance until the following Monday. These events were entirely disruptive to the peaceful, family friendly environment of shopping, strolling and outdoor dining along Elm Street during the warmer months. If the White Buffalo management can find a way to keep the noise down, contain the cooking odors and keep things cleaned up during the two events this year, we would be willing to support reasonable outdoor applications in the future.”
Adam Zakka, representing the ownership of Solé and Blackbird restaurants, suggested that the town allow only non-amplified music outdoors, or else a decibel limit.
“It is very loud and disruptive to neighboring dining establishments,” Zakka said in his letter to P&Z. “It is especially prevalent at Chef Luis whose customers are essentially forced to listen at unreasonable volumes. From what I had witnessed, It seemed to be an unfair detractor to that business.”