AfterGlow said:
Does anybody have the inside story on asylum closing?
I'm sure we all know it's related to the crackdown on any rave-like events, but I'm curious about the specific details. The TRUE site has said since yesterday that an update is due within hours.
Did the city of Springfield threaten to use the new amber alert/rave act against asylum and promoters? Was there a direction connection with the huge E-ring bust yesterday? Inquiring minds want to know!
I don't think there is anything involved in the club being shut down other than what appears to be. As is abundantly clear in the article posted earlier in this thread, the city of Springfield obviously considered the club a nuisance and was willing to do everything in it's power to shut it down for good. I don't think there are underlying conspiracies or anything, just a decision made at the municipal (no pun intended!) level. This is by no means an authoritative answer, but if you read between the lines of statements made by True and the city you will probably come to the same conclusion.
**ok maybe this wasn't posted here earlier because I couldn't find it but here it is again....**
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asylum license hearing set
03/26/2004
By PETER GOONAN
[email protected]
SPRINGFIELD - The mayor and License Commission have scheduled a joint hearing to determine if licenses should be revoked or suspended at the Asylum nightclub, shut down by the city two weeks ago due to building and fire code violations.
Fire Prevention District Chief John F. Cossaboom, in describing the conditions found inside the Asylum, said it provided a great potential for "multiple or mass deaths."
The hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 8 at City Hall.
The Asylum, 1592 Main St., in the downtown, is an under-21 dance club that is allowed under its entertainment license to stay open until 6 a.m. on weekends.
The Law Department listed 21 violations of building and fire codes in sending notice of the hearing to the business. In addition, the letter said the Police Department has concerns about "illegal drug use at the Asylum and the increases in criminal activity in the downtown area on nights where there are 'raves,'" referring to all-night dance parties.
The Fire Department shut down the business March 12, saying it found numerous fire hazards including exposed wiring and excessive combustibles in the basement, illegal use of the basement and second floor, and suspended plastic sheets. The Code Enforcement Building Division also cited the club for violations of the building code.
"We have a very serious situation here," Mayor Charles V. Ryan said yesterday. "I want to take detailed testimony and have presentations made, obviously for the purpose of determining what I am to do about that license. The consideration is the same for the License Commission."
City Solicitor Patrick J. Markey said the commission and mayor could issue a warning or suspension, could add conditions, revoke the licenses or take no action depending on the evidence presented.
Ryan, as mayor, oversees all entertainment licenses. The Asylum also has a common victualer's license, allowing the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages, that is controlled by the License Commission.
The club will not be allowed to reopen until it is reinspected by fire and code inspectors and has corrected all violations, officials said.
The entertainment license was issued to CSD Associates Inc., with Nicholas M. Cressotti of West Springfield listed as president on the application.
Jeffrey T. Gil of West Springfield, who has served as a spokesman for the business, said yesterday that work is continuing around the clock to correct violations.
"We are working as fast as we can," Gil said. "I can't say when we will be back open.
lol j/k
