Published: 04/13/2023 15:02:15
DEERFIELD — After it took a week to review Tree House Brewing Co.’s plans to increase occupancy for outdoor concerts and other special events, the selectboard approved changes to the brewery’s permit Tuesday night.
The brewery appeared before the board on April 5 to request a change to its Farmer series brewing license to increase its occupancy to about 1,500 people to support future outdoor concerts and events, 10 of which are tentative for this one Spring and Summer are planned. The store, located at Routes 5 and 10, has been in operation for more than a year with an occupancy limit of 500 guests.
While the Selectboard signaled its approval of increasing the occupancy count at its previous meeting, members said they wanted to conduct their due diligence in considering the company’s proposed emergency response, safety and parking plans. The brewery remains closed to the public for events with an admission ticket.
“To be clear, the tap room during a performance … would be available to people attending the concert,” said Tree House attorney Mark Borenstein. “The taproom will not be open to the public.”
Safety details the company pledged to uphold included ensuring that large emergency vehicles have adequate room to turn, conducting a pre-event safety briefing with staff and the Deerfield Police Officer, and no tailgating. Tree House is still working with the building inspector to determine the maximum occupancy of its warehouse when people need to be relocated due to severe weather.
Parking is available in Tree House’s 282 onsite spaces, with overflow parking available in the Yankee Candle flagship store’s 500+ spaces. Shuttle services are provided by Tree House for people parking in the overflow lot. Brewery staff park at Yankee Candle’s corporate offices and events are scheduled so as not to disrupt Yankee Candle’s operating hours.
Tree House will also work with the Deerfield Police Department to coordinate traffic details at its entrance and the Yankee Candle store parking lot.
“We are in constant contact with the police department,” added Tree House Supervision Specialist Allison Masley.
With sufficient details provided, the Selectboard unanimously approved the changes to the permit. The board also approved the extension of Tree House’s operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to accommodate brunch hours and concerts after the standard 8:00 p.m. closing time
Selectboard member Carolyn Shores Ness asked Tree House to do a debrief on his late-summer concert season to see how things were going because “more conversation is better.” However, Borenstein suggested the brewery ensure ongoing communication with the city to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
“A debrief later is great, but constant communication is helpful,” Borenstein said. “If you see something that Tree House may not realize is a problem for you, please let us know and we will correct it.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.
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