Ticket Network , LLC , started by Don Vaccaro in 2002 with 2 employees , has grown to provide 240 jobs in Vernon , and continues to be one of the fastest growing software companies in the world . Vaccaro wants his company to grow to include its own concert venue on South Frontage Road – adjacent to the site of its headquarters , including three additional parking lots for approximately 800 cars .

More than 150 residents came to the Planning and Zoning meeting last Thursday , and jeered at Vaccaro and his team , as they explained the plans .

The venue would be limited to just under 2 , 000 attendees , and would have little or no permanent structures . The stage and sound system would be erected in May , used for about 20 shows on weekends , then disassembled in October . Vaccaro said the idea is to make a fun , family-friendly venue that is more attractive than those in Hartford and other cities . He added that trends show that large stadiums are downsizing or being phased out in favor of smaller concert halls and outdoor venues .

“ I want to stay in Vernon , ” Vaccaro said , “ and this is an extension of what we want to do here . ”

The meeting – the second part of a public hearing that will likely see at least two more sessions – focused on a traffic study done by Bubaris Traffic Associates of Cheshire .

A computer model was shown , of a worst-case , capacity crowd arriving for a concert during rush hour on a Friday night . The model appeared to show congestion at intersections in the area that was within acceptable limits .

“ It works , ” Jim Bubaris said .

The study also calls for six police officers , to be paid for by Ticket Networks , to help direct traffic on concert nights .

Police Chief James Kenny said the Traffic Authority , which he chairs , saw the same presentation .

He said he and the Fire Marshall’s office recommended an extra lane at the entrances of the lots , to help ensure emergency vehicle access , and the applicant has changed the plans to oblige .

“ The exiting traffic will not be a problem , provided we have the adequate signage , ” Kenny said . “ The level of service at that time of night on the roads will facilitate traffic fairly quickly . ”

Kenny said he was concerned about traffic levels at the intersections on Route 30 .

Neighboring residents have created at least two Web sites opposing the project , citing noise and traffic as their main complaints . One of the sites , www . quixoteenterprises . com , urges residents to write or call the mayor’s office , state representatives , the local newspapers , and PZC members .

However , Town Planner Leonard Tundermann said that concerns should be addressed to the PZC through the planner’s office , as contacting commission members directly would put them in a difficult situation .

“ People are always scared when a new development comes up , ” Vaccaro , a 22-year Vernon resident said . “ I’m going to try to answer as many of those concerns , as they have them . ”

Vaccaro said a sound test was performed , using equipment with worse acoustical properties than that which is planned for the stage , and the sound levels at every residence in Vernon was below that of EPA-required maximum thresholds .

Dorian Reiser Famiglietti , lead attorney representing Ticket Network , said the assessor’s office confirmed that the stage , even though it will not be a permanent structure , will be subject to year-roundproperty taxes , and the real estate taxes will also increase .

“ There will be a tax gain there , as well , ” she said .

Vaccaro added that Ticket Network has donated more money to the town , including a computer lab at Maple Street School , than it has paid in property taxes .

The next part of the public hearing is scheduled for Jan . 21 , but may be at a larger venue to accommodate the large expected resident turnout .