PETITION

Petition and Testimony in OPPOSITION to any license application for any type of Alcohol (including, but not limited to, full alcohol, beer and wine, or cordials, including seasonal or full year licenses). This petition is not in opposition to properly permitted and policed single day licenses for the sale and consumption of alcohol at single events.

We, the undersigned residents of Salem Massachusetts, and other stakeholders of Salem Willows Park strongly oppose any alcohol license applicationto sell and serve alcohol in Salem Willows Park, or any businesses in the immediate area, including, but not limited to, the buildings encompassing what is known as "The Line" which lie on Fort Avenue north and east of Bay View Avenue.

For any application for any license for the sale of any type of alcohol, this petition is offered as an additional testimony. The Licensing Board should deny any application due to harm to the public good, including the following:

• The character of the geographical area is inconsistent with this type of establishment. The Willows Park and beaches are much-beloved and well-used open space for family-friendly activities.
• Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 138, § 23, the Licensing Board has the authority to approve the grant or transfer of a license “with a view only to serve the public need and in such a manner as to protect the common good.” There is no public need and any establishment of this nature will do public harm.
• Any establishment of this nature will generate additional noise later into the night, exacerbate an already inadequate parking problem, increase traffic (including impaired drivers), increase trash and littering.
• Any proposed bar would be adjacent to residents’ bedrooms, and backyards in some cases, far less than 100 feet away.
• Any proposed bar will impermissibly interfere with residents' right to quiet enjoyment in their homes. Permitted public events at the park, are sporadic, vetted, controlled, subject to an open process, and end by eight or nine at night
• It’s premature to consider any proposal at this location while the City is reviewing the emergency access on Island Avenue. In January 2024, there was extreme flooding where the entire Willows neighborhood was cut off from the rest of the city including essential services. Emergency access being studied abuts197 Fort Avenue.