Sussex Co. venue could be impacted by changes in event ordinances

A popular Delaware venue for concerts, festivals, and sports events is now at the center of debate. The location is Hudson Fields in Milton, business owners say if certain regulations within the county are changed that could spell trouble for their bottom line.

"My grandfather and father started back in 1952, they had air shows. We've had food truck fests, and we have scheduled 5 concerts for this year," says Christian Hudson, one of the owners of Hudson Fields.

However, the venue could soon be pumping the brakes on hosting future events,  that's if changes are made to county legislation.

Sussex county officials have been discussing changing special events rules, such as putting a cap to event size and frequency.

"If we are capped at a certain level, just an arbitrary of level, we would be forced to pick and choose what kind of events we can and can't do," says Hudson.

County officials tell 47 ABC this discussion came about after a resident raised questions about concerts on Hudson Fields causing them to look over current regulations, but Hudson believes it has to do with noise complaints in the area.

"It's very strange to shut down our business that has been operating for decades because of 3-4 complainers," says Hudson.

Community members in favor of the venue won't let this go without a fight. Locals have started an online petition called Save Hudson Fields Concerts.

In the last weeks this petition has gathered over a thousand signatures, with dozens of comments asking the community to support the venue.

"It is really humbling to see people coming out to defend us and say that we are doing , and they want to see us do more," says Hudson.

County officials say no legislation has been drafted yet and making changing regulations are still in early stages of discussion.

A spokesperson for the county says no dates have been set on when the county will revisit the legislation.