Annual entertainment license proposed for Franklin County Fairgrounds

GREENFIELD — After a series of events over the summer sparked neighbors’ grievances over noise, the Franklin County Agricultural Society that runs the fairgrounds on Wisdom Way is pursuing an annual entertainment license for the site.

Franklin County Agricultural Society President Michael Nelson, who was represented by attorney Isaac Mass, appeared before the Board of License Commissioners on Tuesday afternoon to pitch the idea of an annual entertainment license.

Rather than needing to appear before the commissioners for separate entertainment licenses each time the fairgrounds wants to hold an event, Mass argued that a single annual license would make it easier for Nelson and those who wish to speak in opposition to the licenses.

“We just wanted to have a conversation that wasn’t in the heat of the moment of a particular permit about whether or not it was the preference of the community, through the board, that the fairgrounds apply for an annual license,” Mass said. “To sort of ease the volume and quantity of times that residents had to come forward, we just wanted to have the dialogues, because it was raised by members of the public.”

Nelson noted that since excessive noise and smell appear to be common concerns raised about Franklin County Fairgrounds events, an annual license could be developed in conjunction with a series of city-drafted noise and air pollution guidelines.

One of the more significant changes that an annual license might bring, Mass added, would be a shift in responsibility. Currently, fairgrounds vendors apply for permits to hold events at the venue. Under an annual license, the Franklin County Agricultural Society would be the license-holder and responsible for its own events.

“You would have a little more personal accountability from the fairgrounds,” Mass noted. “Whether or not that works is another question — whether or not they’re able to exercise that control over their vendors.”

Speaking on behalf of Mayor Ginny Desorgher, Greenfield Communications Director Matthew Conway said that while the idea of a year-long license seems promising, the Mayor’s Office believes it would be best to wait at least a year before pursuing the change.

“The idea makes sense on paper, but I think we are more of the mind that we should revisit it next year,” Conway said. “This past year, there’s been a lot of tremendous growth as far as community relations with the fairgrounds. … Neighbors have embraced having the opportunity to be present at each of these discussions and having a chance to air their perspectives.”

Armene Margosian, who lives on Petty Plain Road, spoke against the annual license, stating she does not feel the nuisances she experiences living near the venue have been mitigated at all.

Noting that the noise and air pollution guidelines being suggested by the city would specifically mention cannabis and fireworks-related events, Randall Bernard, a member of the Board of License Commissioners, asked Mass and Nelson whether the proposed annual license would include motor sports events. Aside from the Franklin County Fair in September, Nelson said he does not envision the venue will host any motor sports events until the end of 2025.

Nelson placed a moratorium on motor sports at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in July, only days after the venue hosted the Overdrive Monster Truck Show, which neighboring residents had argued brought noise and air pollution to the neighborhood. At the time, Nelson said the decision was not prompted by any particular event.

“There continues to be a moratorium on motor sports,” Nelson said. “With the exception of the Franklin County Fair, there are no motor sports events scheduled for 2025 at this time, nor do I anticipate there being any.”

Commission Chair Ruth Henry suggested that time restrictions be placed on the license in the event that the fairgrounds changes ownership or management years in the future. In response, Mass explained that the license could be reviewed and supplemented with additional regulations annually.

Mass suggested the Board of License Commissioners take the annual license proposal under consideration and deliberate on the change. It is unclear when or if the matter will be brought back before the board.

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.