GLOCESTER – After much discussion at the recent Glocester Town Council meeting, including several complaints from neighbors, Mulberry Vineyards at 95 Pound Road in Glocester will not be allowed to host weddings, unless the Zoning Board grants approval with either an exception or a change in zoning at the location.
The vineyard, owned by David Wright, currently operates under a license designating the establishment as a farming business since 2012, which allows for tastings and the sale of wine. But, explained Town Solicitor David Igliozzi, it does not grant permission for entertainment such as weddings and other events. Those come under the purview of the town.
“Does that zoning allow for weddings?” asked Council President William Worthy during discussion of the vineyard.
“The zoning doesn’t allow a business to operate outside of a business zone,” Igliozzi explained.
The Zoning Board granted the farming license, but operating a business is a different story, the solicitor said. The licenses that were approved were also subject to other requirements including approvals from police, fire marshal, building and zoning. Building, for example, he said, has certain requirements for tents and other additions for events, subject to approval.
“There is a whole list,” said Igliozzi. “It is contingent on a whole many things. They weren’t granted a license for a wedding business or a bar or a restaurant or live entertainment.”
“I don’t see anything in the zoning laws which excludes it,” said Tim Robenhymer, the lawyer representing Wright and the vineyard.
“Hold off on the weddings until you go to zoning,” advised Worthy. “Then come back. When zoning gives you the blessing, then we can talk about it. I don’t want to put the cart before the horse.”
“I’ve actually visited the property a few times this year,” said Councilor Jonathan Burlingame. “You guys have done a good job with everything.”
“One problem: the 14 piece band,” said Worthy. “Everything else was smooth sailing except for them. I think we should go through a year where we have no problems, no big live bands and just do the smaller version. I have no problems with anything else.”
Worthy said the vineyard should keep their musical entertainment to a trio or less for live entertainment.
“I think that will keep the neighbors mollified,” he said.
“I like that idea too,” said Wright. “We’re not trying to be a concert venue.”
Of the wedding requests, Councilor Walter Steere said, “That is totally different program we’re talking about here, especially when you ask for eight right out of the blue. Starting with one, or two or three if zoning allowed, it would be better. I’m not saying I would do it, but if those sorts of things were allowed.”
In addition to the weddings, Wright requested eight farmers’ markets, five festivals and 14 live music events for the upcoming year. In 2024, he was granted eight farmers’ markets, three festivals and eight live music events. Wright explained that they wanted to start earlier, on Mother’s Day in 2025. When it came to time frames, he said the vineyard would be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the possibility of two night events from 4 to 7 p.m. for wine under the stars. Those would take place from April to November.
Neighbors, however, questioned times and the possibility of weddings being granted in the future.
“Every year he comes here and asks for at least half a dozen weddings,” Robert Rogers, a neighbor, told the council. “This board, along with the neighbors, has said no weddings. It’s not the area to have weddings. This is a residential area. I don’t care what the zoning board says, it is not the place to have a wedding.”
Kevin Lavoie, also a nearby neighbor, said he had no problem with events this year, with the exception of the 14-piece band, but agreed that weddings should not be allowed. He asked that the council not add any more events, but keep it to the same amount as last year.
David Colantanio agreed with Lavoie, but questioned the purpose of the vineyard, whether it was to grow grapes and make wine or be a venue for events.
“We live in a residential neighborhood,” he told the council. “It’s not zoned for being a wedding, an event, a music, a concert venue. I can’t even keep track of everything they asked for tonight. It looks like their business is a wedding and event venue. We’re just asking for the quiet enjoyment or our residential homes. Grow grapes and make wine, that is what they have a license to do.”
After more discussion, the council approved eight farmers’ markets, five festivals and 11 music events unanimously.
Cady’s Tavern, located at 2168 Putnam Pike and Hill’s Tavern and Grill, located at 417 Putnam Pike, both located in business zones, were granted special event licenses without objection.
Makes no sense of not allowing wedding events. They can have everything else that allows for vehicles to come and go, some music, at reasonable time of day, but no small wedding. Granted, keep the music low and not an orchestra of sorts. Heck they have over 30 acres! If the neighbors are bothered when they are way back on the property, with trees and brush muffling, makes no sense. Would help to keep your tax base down too as they would be paying more taxes into the town. And it’s not like it is into the evening! Just makes no sense. Unreasonable treatment and decision.