Middleborough Residents Frustrated Over Noise, Violence at River Watch

Stacey Lessner was not surprised when she heard about a wild night last month at the that included three people being sent to the hospital, including one who was stabbed.

While the stabbing garnered news headlines and attention, it was the latest of many incidents say Middleborough residents who have grown tired of loud noise from the popular waterfront restaurant.

“We’ve lived at our house [on nearby Birch Road] since 2005, but it has just gotten out of control the last three or four years,” Lessner said. The bar and restaurant is in the 200 block of Nanticoke Road, 

“They get so overcrowded over there people are just parking wherever they can find a spot in the neighborhood. Then after people are out drunk, they start fights and are rude to those who live around here.”

Lessner, along with her husband Zach, are two of the area residents who have reached out to River Watch owners Mark and Traci Sullivan. However, some believe those concerns have fallen on deaf ears until recently.

Baltimore County police Capt. Mike DiPaula said he became concerned about River Watch following the June stabbing and plans on monitoring the area to ensure problems don’t persist.

According to figures from Baltimore County police, there had been six reported calls of service to River Watch during the last two years, not including the stabbing. Those incidents included assaults, domestic assaults, theft and indecent exposure.

“You’re always going to have issues when you combine large crowds, loud music and alcohol,” DiPaula said.

The owners of River Watch are scheduled to face a  on Aug. 15 for alleged violations of disturbing the peace with loud music in May.

According to documents reviewed by Patch, River Watch is accused of continuing to play music in a manner that is “in clear violation of the law.” River Watch is also accused of continuing to “disturb the peace, tranquility, safety, health and quiet” of the surrounding neighborhood.

Some of the alleged violations stem from incidents that occurred on May 19 and “throughout” Memorial Day weekend. One local complainant wrote to the liquor board that the owner of River Watch had been approached regarding the music but to no avail. A special investigation was requested by the liquor board and Essex Precinct police officers are expected to appear at the hearing.

River Watch owner Mark Sullivan has told residents and county officials that he wants River Watch to be a good community partner and wants to work with residents and police to improve conditions at the restaurant. 

In an email sent to county officials, Sullivan outlined several steps the restaurant took to address concerns.

Among those steps were hiring an in-house sound person to ensure decibel levels remain far lower than the 90 decibels permitted under law.

In addition, the restaurant has instituted a dress code, hired additional security and has staff members patrol the neighborhood on Mondays in order to clean up any debris left by customers.

Sullivan also plans to cater to an older clientele, offer alcohol management classes to bartenders and staff, and meet with neighborhood residents to address any additional concerns.

Middleborough resident Mary Woods is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the Sullivans’ actions to improve conditions at the restaurant. She is frustrated by the violence and other issues, including two people who died during each of the previous two summers after falling off the pier intoxicated.

“There are just problems there all the time,” Woods said. “No one wanted to listen to our concerns. I’ll be at the liquor board hearing and plan on letting them know why we are so upset with what is going on over at River Watch.”

Fellow resident Lessner said she hopes having to appear before the liquor board gave the Sullivans the motivation to finally rectify the situation at River Watch,

“It seems like they want to fix things, but only time will tell for sure,” Lessner said.

Dundalk editor Ron Cassie contributed to this story.