In the heart of Beverly, a dispute has erupted over the use of a residential property for hosting events. Chanay Walton, a resident of the 10500 block of South Maplewood Avenue, has been at the center of this controversy since late May. Her home, marketed online as Hidden Treasure Rooftop & Patio has become a focal point for both entertainment and regulatory scrutiny.
The issue came to a head on a recent Saturday when police and city officials responded to an event featuring live music and armed security. This gathering followed a series of citations and cease and desist orders issued by the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection department. The property has been under investigation for operating without the necessary licenses for food, liquor, and public amusement.
Regulatory Challenges and Community Concerns
Ald. Matt O’Shea of the 19th Ward has been vocal about the situation, receiving over 50 complaints regarding the property. O’Shea emphasized that the homeowner is not merely hosting house parties but is actively renting out the property for events. He highlighted the use of amplified sound and the disturbance caused to neighboring residents.
“The property owner is on various social media platforms renting the property, renting the backyard, renting the rooftop,” O’Shea stated. “It’s amplified sound. It’s not like it’s three people playing in a band. It’s a sound system there.”
Walton’s Perspective and Efforts to Comply
Chanay Walton, who began hosting gatherings last year, expressed her love for music and her intention to create enjoyable experiences for her guests. She described her events as a way to share her passion for music and entertainment. Walton had previously listed her residence on PeerSpace an online marketplace for event rentals, with an hourly rate of $250-350 and a capacity for 100 people.
After receiving cease and desist orders in May, Walton attempted to comply with city regulations. She removed a video advertisement from YouTube and adjusted the privacy settings on her event page. However, these efforts were not sufficient to avoid further citations. In June, she received two more citations for operating without the appropriate licenses. Walton claimed that she stopped renting out her space after these citations but continued to host private gatherings.
The Latest Event and Community Reactions
The most recent event, held on a Saturday in July, was billed as a private party. Walton insisted that there was no admission fee or sale of food or alcohol. However, promotional materials for the event were listed on Ticket Tailor an online ticketing platform. Walton explained that the tickets were initially listed with an admission fee but were later changed to be free, serving as a way to track RSVPs.
Neighbors on the block expressed concerns about the noise, parking, and the potential use of the home as a commercial venue. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that many residents have young children and are worried about the impact of these events on their quality of life.
“No matter what I do, anytime that I entertain in my backyard, they are going to assume that I am operating a business, which I think is really ridiculous,” Walton said, expressing her frustration with the situation.
The Role of Social Media and Security Measures
Walton’s events have garnered significant attention on social media, with some comments taking a racial tone. She mentioned that there were disturbing comments about people planning to crash the party or vandalize her home. In response, Walton hired two off-duty suburban police officers for security during the latest event.
“There were comments about people coming to crash the party, comments about people coming to vandalize my home. There were just a lot of disturbing comments and I know that my information had been leaked for quite a while now,” Walton explained.
Rhonda Thompson, a friend of Walton’s who attended the event, described the atmosphere as enjoyable and emphasized that there was no sale of food or drink. She felt that the police and city officials were looking for any reason to stop the party. “It was almost like we were back in the day, and they were hating that this Black lady was having this event in her house,” Thompson said.
The controversy surrounding Walton’s events highlights the complexities of residential use and the impact of community dynamics. As the situation continues to unfold, both Walton and the community are navigating the challenges of balancing personal expression with regulatory compliance and neighborhood harmony.
