The Licensing Board officially denied the Willows Tavern application this evening. We protected our park and residents from this massive disruption because you stayed focused on the goal. Keep checking your local board agendas in the coming months to ensure this proposal does not resurface.
March 23, 2024
Final supporters
Petition and Testimony in OPPOSITION to “Willows Tavern” Application
We, the undersigned residents of Salem, Massachusetts and other stakeholders of Salem Willows, strongly OPPOSE the license application for a seasonal (April 1 – January 15) all-alcohol and entertainment license filed by M&M Restaurants LLC dba “Willows Tavern” for premises located at 197 Fort Avenue. This petition is offered as additional written testimony*. The Licensing Board should deny this 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 a much-beloved and well-used open space for family-friendly activities.
• The size of the proposed bar is 179 person capacity.
• The application is vague regarding the nature and hours of the “entertainment.”
• Additional Noise, Inadequate Parking, Increased Traffic, including impaired drivers,Increased Trash
• The proposed bar will be adjacent to residents’ bedrooms and backyards, in some cases far less than 100 feet away.
• The 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 8 or 9 pm.
• It is premature to consider this proposal at this location while the City is reviewing the emergency access on Island Avenue. In January 2024, we had extreme flooding where the entire Willows neighborhood was cut off from the rest of the City including essential services. The emergency access abuts 197 Fort Ave.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 24, 2024
February 22, 2024
The momentum behind this opposition is undeniable and it proves that our neighbors will not accept this disruption to our park. Call your representative today to ensure they know the community stands united against this license application.
Reached 100 supporters
February 12, 2024
February 11, 2024
We are approaching one hundred signatures and the pressure is building. Post the petition link to your Facebook page right now to keep this momentum going. Text three friends and ask them to sign before the end of the day.
339 Comments
It isnt necessary. There are plenty of other places in Salem to drink and be rowdy. The highlight of the Willows is, and always has been, and should continue to be the Line. Strolling for ice cream, clams and popcorn while your little ones go on the rides.
Growing up in Salem, the Willows was always a highlight of our childhood. Let’s keep it safe and family friendly. There are plenty of bars at Pickering Wharf and downtown - let’s let our kids and grandkids enjoy the simple beauty of this place.
The family integrity that has always been known at The Salem Willows would be destroyed if this is allowed. It would promote parental drinking while kids ran around the park unattended. While some may feel this acceptable, from a liability standpoint, it's just not responsible.
I am a Salem native and have visited the Salem Willows Park for many, many years. The fact that the Salem Willows is free of alcohol is a benefit to all who enjoy the park. I oppose any alcohol licenses being allowed at the Salem Willows Park.
The Willows has always been a family type park. Whether hanging out for a picnic, rides or food stop. I think it would be dangerous to the families and children, by having people drinking and driving through a congested parking lot.
I was born and raised there and I raised my son in Salem. It was our favorite thing to do. Stop replacing Salem’s historical landmarks. Instead of sharing it with our grandchildren we will have to say “ I remember when the Willows was here and what fun we had”. Stop this here and now!
Invest the money in bringing this treasure back to its former glory instead of changing the character.
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The Licensing Board officially denied the Willows Tavern application this evening. We protected our park and residents from this massive disruption because you stayed focused on the goal. Keep checking your local board agendas in the coming months to ensure this proposal does not resurface.
March 23, 2024
Final supporters
Petition and Testimony in OPPOSITION to “Willows Tavern” Application
We, the undersigned residents of Salem, Massachusetts and other stakeholders of Salem Willows, strongly OPPOSE the license application for a seasonal (April 1 – January 15) all-alcohol and entertainment license filed by M&M Restaurants LLC dba “Willows Tavern” for premises located at 197 Fort Avenue. This petition is offered as additional written testimony*. The Licensing Board should deny this 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 a much-beloved and well-used open space for family-friendly activities.
• The size of the proposed bar is 179 person capacity.
• The application is vague regarding the nature and hours of the “entertainment.”
• Additional Noise, Inadequate Parking, Increased Traffic, including impaired drivers,Increased Trash
• The proposed bar will be adjacent to residents’ bedrooms and backyards, in some cases far less than 100 feet away.
• The 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 8 or 9 pm.
• It is premature to consider this proposal at this location while the City is reviewing the emergency access on Island Avenue. In January 2024, we had extreme flooding where the entire Willows neighborhood was cut off from the rest of the City including essential services. The emergency access abuts 197 Fort Ave.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 24, 2024
February 22, 2024
The momentum behind this opposition is undeniable and it proves that our neighbors will not accept this disruption to our park. Call your representative today to ensure they know the community stands united against this license application.
Reached 100 supporters
February 12, 2024
February 11, 2024
We are approaching one hundred signatures and the pressure is building. Post the petition link to your Facebook page right now to keep this momentum going. Text three friends and ask them to sign before the end of the day.
339 Comments
A 179 seat bar doesn't fit in with the space, area or demographic. Add in the lack of parking along with encroaching on the neighboring homes and it is a recipe for disaster. Zoning and use should never allow such an establishment within feet of private homes.
It isnt necessary. There are plenty of other places in Salem to drink and be rowdy. The highlight of the Willows is, and always has been, and should continue to be the Line. Strolling for ice cream, clams and popcorn while your little ones go on the rides.
Growing up in Salem, the Willows was always a highlight of our childhood. Let’s keep it safe and family friendly. There are plenty of bars at Pickering Wharf and downtown - let’s let our kids and grandkids enjoy the simple beauty of this place.
The family integrity that has always been known at The Salem Willows would be destroyed if this is allowed. It would promote parental drinking while kids ran around the park unattended. While some may feel this acceptable, from a liability standpoint, it's just not responsible.
I am a Salem native and have visited the Salem Willows Park for many, many years. The fact that the Salem Willows is free of alcohol is a benefit to all who enjoy the park. I oppose any alcohol licenses being allowed at the Salem Willows Park.
The Willows has always been a family type park. Whether hanging out for a picnic, rides or food stop. I think it would be dangerous to the families and children, by having people drinking and driving through a congested parking lot.
I was born and raised there and I raised my son in Salem. It was our favorite thing to do. Stop replacing Salem’s historical landmarks. Instead of sharing it with our grandchildren we will have to say “ I remember when the Willows was here and what fun we had”. Stop this here and now!
Invest the money in bringing this treasure back to its former glory instead of changing the character.
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A 179 seat bar doesn't fit in with the space, area or demographic. Add in the lack of parking along with encroaching on the neighboring homes and it is a recipe for disaster. Zoning and use should never allow such an establishment within feet of private homes.