Barn to Become Venue

Sandy and Joe Melz have been letting friends and family use the loft above their barn for years with no complaints, but now that they want to rent it out as a business the homeowners association is unhappy. “We are adamantly opposed,” says Doug Henry, president of the Gates of Carlisle subdivision homeowners association. Fears of property value reduction and traffic increases are causing a stir for the Melz’s.

The owners are willing to put more than $40,000 into sound proofing and other precautions for the venue and have been approached by businesses and celebrities about rental. All parking would be on private property, as it has been in the past and the “Barn” as it is called sits hundreds of feet away from neighbors. The Melz’s have spent time and money researching this venture and truly do not understand the sudden cry from neighbors. “I really believe this will provide a needed service for a thriving city,” said Sandy Melz.

The board of alderman will make their first vote on the proposal this Thursday at 7 P.M. at city hall. The homeowners association feels that allowing this will set a bad precedent, while the city has been in unanimous support. Three votes are required to approve the permit for a private recreational facility, the first of which is this week.