Live Music at Clarke's Grill Subject of Debate

There was a lot of debate at Monday night’s Manassas Park's Planning Commission meeting among residents, the commission and the landlord and owner of Clarke’s Grill & Sports Emporium.

The discussion was over Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #11-09, which, if approved by city council, would allow Clarke’s to host live entertainment both inside the establishment and outside on the patio.

The planning commission approved the CUP Monday after a public hearing on the matter.

Before the commission handed down its decision, Vanessa Watson, the director of planning and zoning for the city, said Clarke’s had been hosting live entertainment, not knowing they were in violation of city ordinances. She didn't know until an article brought it to her attention, Watson said. 

No one complained about noise at Clarke's to the city, and finding out it was in violation, Clarke’s complied with the city and filed a CUP, Watson said.

Joseph Giardino, who lives close to the shopping center where Clarke’s is located, said he opposes any events that would have amplified sound from taking place on the patio.

While he supports them hosting non-amplified events, he explained that there are seven residential units, including a senior home close to Clarke’s, that would inevitably be disturbed by loud noise coming from the establishment. It didn’t seem right that the city have ordinances forbidding amplified noises from cars beyond 50 feet, but that they might allow Clarke’s to have outdoor music which could possibly carry further than that, Giardino said.

“I have every positive concern that a year review may be too long to prevent permanent damage,” Giardino said. He fears that prolonged loud noises may be detrimental to residents who live close to Clarke’s.

Bill Wren said that he knows the owners and is, "honored to call them my friends.” He said that Clarke’s wanted to host entertainment strictly to bring in customers and increase business, which would also generate more taxes for the city, and asked that the commission approve the CUP.

Robert Cooper also spoke in favor of the CUP. He said that he has known the owners for more than a year and that the restaurant is, “a family owned, run and oriented establishment.” He said that the owners take pride in the business and there have never been any altercations or problems that he’s noticed. Cooper added that he’s been at Clarke’s when they’ve hosted live events and that the noise outside is just not loud.

Robert Nishanian, a representative for the landlord of Manassas Park shopping center, also spoke and said that he, too, put restrictions on Clarke’s lease prior to the hearing, which would “usurp” the CUP.

Nishanian explained that Clarke’s was not to have music inside until after 10:30 p.m. This would be a half hour after Pizza Spot, which is directly next door, closes and therefore wouldn’t interfere with its business.

Nishanian said they would also have to add additional insulation between the walls to muffle the music. He added that the landlord has the right to ban Clarke’s from hosting live entertainment if they receive complaints from residents or any of their tenants.

The owner of the Pizza Spot also spoke. She said that while she completely supports Clarke’s hosting live entertainment, she has concerns that indoor entertainment would interfere with her ability to hear take-out and delivery orders over the phone. She explained that the area where bands would perform is against the shared wall, which happens to be where her phones are located.

Mike Larkin, one of the owners of Clarke’s also spoke. He said that they decided to, “give [live entertainment] a shot” to capture some of the business that goes to Manassas Park after 10:30 p.m.  Larkin said that Clarke’s is very cognitive of the senior home along Manassas Drive and of the residents, and that he does everything he can to ensure that the noise doesn’t disrupt them.

After the hearing, the commission, taking into account the opinions and concerns of the landlord and owner, changed what limitations would be put on Clarke’s for live entertainment. According to the limitations, Clarke's may have live entertainment, “consisting of a band with no more than three members, a disc jockey, karaoke and an associated dancing area to be used by patrons for non-professional dancing.”

The patio may be used periodically and have up to two performing artists or singers outside, but no percussion instrumentation will be allowed. Live entertainment will be allowed inside between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. and outdoors between 6:30 and 10 p.m., seven days a week.

After the public hearing, members of the commission voiced their support of Clarke's.  Manassas Park city attorney Dean Crowhurst said that after approval, the CUP would be reviewed in a year, but if there are any complaints made to the city, the commission could schedule a public hearing that would impose restrictions on the CUP or, possibly revoke it.

The Commission voted unanimously for approval.  The CUP will now go before the Manassas Park Governing Body for final approval.