While many thought the Friday Night Concerts at the Lemon Tree was a good thing, an event where groups of people with dubious fashion sense would gather to listen to what some may refer to as music– not everyone agreed. It seemed like a good idea in theory, however, some locals found it to be quite detrimental to the neighborhood. While this writer found the event heinous and horrifying due to its ‘Kid/Family Friendly’ nature, some neighbors and local merchants described it as disruptive, vile, vulgar, and an encroachment on their property rights. Rumors attempted to blame the Cape Charles Town Staff, but the event was canceled by Lemon Tree after a compromise with their neighbors could not be reached.
Town Manager John Hozey told the Mirror, “Thank you for checking in with us on this, as rumors seldom paint the entire picture. Here’s the deal; Lemon Tree has been hosting this street event now for several years. They have become very popular and so each year the events have grown. For example, they went from holding them just 5 or 6 times a summer, to holding them every Friday night last summer. The town has always supported this event, and until recently we never received any complaints about it. That is until this year. When the adjacent residents and other businesses on Mason heard that this event was being planned for every Friday evening again this year, they started to organize in opposition, and they started letting the town know how they felt. It was my sense that these neighbors didn’t necessarily oppose the event, as much as the growing frequency of the event.
Again, the town supports this concept, but we also wanted to be sensitive to the concerns of all the neighbors. So we asked Lemon Tree to sit down with the homeowner groups of the neighboring condos, and with Main Street as a representative of the other merchants, to see if a compromise could be worked out. Lemon Tree did try to meet with some of the concerned neighbors, but they were not able to reach a compromise. So Lemon Tree pulled their application with the town; making this a Lemon Tree decision, not a town decision. The town is actually disappointed that all the players were not able to come to a solution that could work for everyone.
Not only does the Cape Charles Mirror deliver us the news we want, but the sheer drama of life that we need in our lives, and here is a case of it right here!
This could be an episode in a dynamite TV thriller about life in Cape Charles.
Well done, CCM!
VERY SAD
Typical… hiding behind “homeowner groups” and “Main Street”. Exactly who was so offended for a few hours by some people enjoying life?
Yes!!
People who don’t think of other and only themselves.
Good for one good for all not everyone likes everything
Cape Charles has a lovely spacious public park complete with electricity, a stage/pavillion, water, etc etc etc…why not hold “Lemon Tree Events” there???
Probably makes too much sense.
The town of Cape Charles should be thanking Lemontree for having live music (for free) outside where anyone can enjoy it. The Cape Charles powers that be should not be making this difficult for Lemontree, they are providing a service to this town. These events bring people into town on Friday evenings for dinner, wine tastings, socializing with friends , etc. These family friendly events are great for children who frequently dance and have a great time. I don’t believe that people tend to shop in the evening but instead go out to dinner and visit with their friends, my opinion. Fridays at Lemontree moved outside during the pandemic. As far as I know Lemontree never heard of a complaint about these events.
Jealousy is not a reason to take a well received event away community.
As far as I’m concerned I will not be coming into town to spend my money on Friday nights if these events don’t happen. They are cutting off their nose despite their face. I hope the town can wholeheartedly embrace these events and be truly supportive for the good of Cape Charles.
The town park holds concerts during the summer.
Lemontree is Lemontree…the free live music brings people into town.
Unfortunately a few people can ruin something for a very popular event . Truly sad
Dear Melinda, indeed as you say, “Lemon tree is Lemon tree”, but what is to stop Lemon tree from utilizing the town park? Those of us who have enjoyed the concerts and musical productions that they sponsor could easily do so in the Town park…with superior facilities that are more conducive and with possibly less disruption (to whomever it is from the Town that has objected.)
A big Thank You to Lemon Tree for organizing and running such a successful event. It was great for businesses and the town. Many people gathered and enjoyed good music and home cooking. Perhaps it is time for the town and Main Street to take on this Friday night event. Give each business in town the opportunity to be the sponsor of a Friday.
Nothing is preventing other businesses to apply for a permit to do a similar event. Lemontree has done this on their own. A lot of work goes into getting these together. They pay the musicians and hardly make a cent.
Elections have consequences…
Yes they do
Vote for changes
NOT IN CC
Maybe you should check with Madam X’s ‘Black Community Leaders’ and see what they think. LOL!
I live in the historic district in town, found them very enjoyable, and our summer visitors also . And they spend money in your stores .
I’m planning on going to the town council meeting this Thursday and voicing my support for the free live music Lemontree has provided, outside, for the past 2 years. They have brought people into town center on Friday evenings. Please consider doing the same.
100 yes’s should not be invalidated by a few no’s, that’s not democracy.
Editor’s Note: You go girl. However, you should be aware that a member of Town Council has expressed disdain for the Sheppard’s and the Lemon Tree, and was instrumental in giving this ‘complaint’ legs. You should FOIA the names of those that pushed for this closure. Go for it.
Best of luck! Lemon tree concerts are part of what makes Cape Charles special!!!! Whether on the adjoining street or In the Town Park as suggested, this has become a valuable asset and we the people should find a way to continue the Friday evening gatherings!
Thank you I will
I will be asking a lot of questions.
Cape Chuck, always taking the opportunity to shoot success in the face.
Way to go!!
And to use the Park would require:
Permits.
Insurance
Security.
Which all costs money, and when ya keep chasing tourists and money OUT of CC, well….
But why think when one can EMOTE!!!
“Nothing more than feeeeeeeelings”
I find the tone of the article more than a bit snarky and condescending. ” dubious fashion sense would gather to listen to what some may refer to as music– not everyone agreed”
We enjoyed Friday nights at the Lemon Tree. The music was good and it had a nice community vibe all around.
A bit of a sad commentary all around.
Editor’s Note: Snarky? Condensending? How dare you!!! We roll our eyes at your critique of our shallow, empty, and delciously pompous platitudes. Good day to you, sir, Boy.
Well said Sir! Thank for the chuckle.