Singing barroom blues

I’d like to add my 2 cents worth to all the controversy concerning Grouchy Marx Pub in Newport. I’ve known Mark Warren since he was in elementary school. He grew up with our kids and, in fact, my son was a party to the infamous “Battle of the Bands” that started all the flap. I admonished him for tempting fate, but, in fact, they were within the noise limits.

If noise is really the concern for Mssrs. Gordon and Graham, why haven’t they complained about the trucks that pass all night on Route 2? (I’ve been a trucker for more than 30 years.) I believe their real gripe is with having a barroom in the neighborhood. If not a bar, then what? We have enough empty stores in downtown Newport (thanks to the “triangle,” Wal-mart, McDonald’s etc.). It’s just possible that if Mark gets shut down and the landlord can’t find another tenant, he just may let the building go for taxes, and the town of Newport will have a nice, big white elephant on its hands. While I agree that good taste and discretion must be exercised (in all places of business), it’s unfair that the town should knuckle under to the demand of a vocal minority. John J. Hennessy East Newport