Wallingford's Oakdale Theatre Could Be in Danger of Closing

The fate of Wallingford’s Oakdale Theatre is in the hands of city leaders in light of several complaints about loud noise during concerts.

Theater officials say they’re hopeful about finding a solution.

The theater has been issued a cease-and-desist order by the town of Wallingford, which requires the Oakdale to stop hosting concerts in the dome and imposes a "no noise" condition.

Theater officials and the city plan to meet next week to discuss what happens next.

The Oakdale Theatre has hosted concerts and other performances since 1957, but some neighbors say the noise has lately become louder.

"Their regular concerts that end at 10:30 p.m. are fine. It’s when they play that electronic dance music during the week until like 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. That’s loud," said Leo Mariconda, who lives near the theater.

He said some nights get so loud, he feels the front of his house shake.

Attorney Joan Molloy, who represents the Oakdale, said there are no immediate plans to close the theater, but is concerned about how to operate the theater with the noise restriction. Molloy said the Oakdale may have no choice to but to close down.

In a letter to the town council, President Jim Koplik said: "We are committed to maintain in place the improvements already implemented while we pursue a broader, more effective remedy. The best available known remedies will cost at least $1.2 million. We are seeking a way to fund that through a state grant."

Colby Callahan, who lives nearby, hopes the town and the theater come to an agreement.

"[For] people to prosper locally, that’d be nice, you know? You shut down something big like that, you’re taking away business from a lot of people. That’s unfortunate," said Callahan.

Callahan said he has not experienced any noise issues.

Town officials did not return requests for comment Monday.

That meeting with the zoning board will take place next week May 27.

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