August 3, 2010 – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno directed the City’s law department to issue a Cease and Desist letter to 1700 Main Street, Inc., d/b/a Paramount Theater located at 1700 Main Street, after city officials learned of a Wrecking Ball Party that had been scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. to Midnight. The letter was mailed today.
The letter, issued by Assistant City Solicitor Nathan LaValle, stated that “in order to conduct such an event under a pouring license, licensees are required to obtain a City of Springfield Special Event Permit from the Springfield entertainment license granting authority.” No such application has been filed for this event with the City’s entertainment licensing authority.
The event flyer indicates that the event is being held in response to the City’s announcement that the Asylum building will be torn down. The production company identified on the flyer is True Productions and the flyer goes on to indicate that “True Productions figured this would be a better time than ever to have a reunion, and show the City of Springfield that they can bust down a building, but they can’t break our spirit.” The flyer encourages potential attendees to unite with old friends and new, to celebrate underground music culture and states that it’s an all ages event. The flyer also indicates that the after hours celebration will be held at The Windsor Lounge Ballroom & Hotel, Windsor Locks, CT., from 12:30 A.M. – 5:30 A.M.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated that “the City has had a policy in place for Under 21 events and in this case it has not been followed.” “The event invitation appears to be a rave style event extended to hundreds of young individuals from Springfield and surrounding communities and the only information the City has about this event is the information contained on the flyer,” stated Sarno. “The City put the Under 21 event policy in place to ensure public safety is a priority,” said Sarno. Mayor Sarno stated that “as of today, individuals who planned to attend the Springfield portion of this event should know that the event will not take place, adding that the City would review and consider the appropriate application when and if it is filed with the City.”