Cease and Desist Order Issued Banning Concerts On Enfield Farm

ENFIELD, CT — A cease and desist order has been issued by the Enfield zoning enforcement and nuisance officer against a Moody Road homeowner who has hosted five live music events since late June on a stage erected at the rear of his property, in violation of large gathering regulations established by executive orders of Gov. Ned Lamont.

Zoning enforcement and nuisance officer Ricardo Rachele initially sent a signed violation notice on Aug. 2 to James Welch, owner of the property at 143 Moody Road which has become known simply as "The Farm." The notice stated the hosting of concerts requires the filing of a special use permit application for outdoor special events, under Section 8.90 of the Enfield Zoning Regulations.

In the citation, Rachele told Welch he had discussed the situation "with you and your associate several times." He added, "Also discussed with you was the stage, which is considered a structure and which you have not received a building permit for, along with the ongoing social distancing concerns under the current Executive Orders."

Thirty days later, on Sept. 1, a cease and desist order was issued to Welch, which stated, "The property owner has been conducting concerts with the gathering of 100 people or more," citing events were held on June 27, July 18, Aug. 8, Aug. 15 and Aug. 30.

"Videos posted during the concerts with 100 or more patrons, along with photos and videos taken during the concerts show patrons not wearing face protection or practicing social distancing," Rachele wrote.

Welch had 10 days to either comply with the order or file an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals, "which in this case was not done," Rachele said.

Several well-known area bands had performed at The Farm this summer, including Johnny Sixgun, Trailer Trash and Joon. Others had been slated for fall appearances, as indicated on The Farm's Facebook page.

The Facebook page repeatedly states the events are cookouts, with bands donating their time to play, and each was a private party on private property, not open to the public.

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