The Town of Plymouth has filed a lawsuit suit against the owner of The Farmhouse, saying an event at the Ellisville nonprofit on Thursday called “The Boost Experience” violated fire, building, health and liquor licensing rules.
A Plymouth Superior Court judge Thursday ordered Paul Krasinski, who owns the 10-acre property on Center Hill Road, to halt the event, at which a Beverly-based company showcased its “top quality” branded merchandise.
The town also filed a cease-and-desist order, alleging the event created “numerous, serious violations and public safety concerns.”
It was the second cease and desist order the town handed Krasinski this year.
Krasinski, the brother of actor John Krasinski, said he was “quite surprised” by the town’s actions. The gathering was private, and no alcohol or tickets were sold, he said.
The distinction matters because private events are not subject to the same rules as public ones.
“We abided by all of the rules for a private event on my property,” Krasinski said in an email. “The small get-together was like any private event that any resident in Plymouth hosts at their home — a dinner party, a graduation party, a gathering of friends for sports, etc.”
Guests, who registered in advance, were given an opportunity to “immerse” themselves in a “curated showcase of top quality products designed to elevate your brand,” according to an online ad for the event.
“My friend (from Boost Promotions) and I wanted to bring a small group of creative people together to discuss creative marketing and lifestyle brands,” Krasinski said.
The open house, which was supposed to run from 1 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, was touted as offering beer, wine, and “custom” cocktails, as well as “Farmhouse Curated Culinary Delights.”
“While browsing the best in Branded Merchandise, savor an immersive food experience that highlights the flavors of the region,” the invitation read. “From farm-fresh ingredients to ocean-inspired delights, indulge in the true tastes of New England while connecting with industry peers.”
Boost Promotions offers a full line of merchandise and “swag” including tech, “fashion forward apparel,” drinkware and a football schedule magnet, according to its website.
No one from the company could be reached immediately for comment.
The event was cut short by the court action, town officials said, and attendees dispersed in late afternoon.
Town officials allege the event was public, not private — open to anyone who signed up — and said they had people register to prove the point.
As a public event, town officials argue, Krasinski’s gathering was subject to a host of local and state laws. For example, it required a one-day liquor license and a temporary food permit.
Krasinski also needed a building permit if he planned to hold a commercial event at a single-family house, the town said.
“None of the above has been done or even requested and is necessary for public safety purposes,” according to the cease-and-desist order filed Thursday.
Even if Krasinski had obtained permits, the event would probably have run afoul of town zoning regulations because the property is in a residential neighborhood where event facilities are not allowed, officials said.
“We have zero tolerance,” said Town Manager Derek Brindisi of dealing with Krasinski. “We tried to work with him. We talked to him and still he thumbed his nose.”
In the lawsuit, town officials said Krasinski still hasn’t complied with a March cease-and-desist order — prohibiting him from using buildings on his property for educational programs. At the time, the town said he lacked proper permits and violated the state’s fire code.
The lawsuit filed Thursday alleges “ongoing violations” of state fire safety code, but didn’t specify what they are.
Plymouth South High School, MAP Academy, and EdTV – the Plymouth Public Schools’ video education production program — have all participated in events at The Farmhouse.
Krasinski said he doesn’t know why the town mentioned the previous order since he has already agreed he would no longer run “programming or otherwise” in the main house.
“We also followed up with a formal email…to state this in writing,” he added. “I don’t know how or why there would be any confusion as to whether we did or didn’t address the prior order. Certainly, and clearly, we had,” he said.
Krasinski said wants to have a “positive impact” in the town, and he believes officials here recognize “the value of what we can bring to the community.”
“As with any partnership, there are growing pains and wrinkles that come up,” he said. “I always feel as though it is in the moments of misunderstanding or mistakes, that true partnership is found.”
He added that “mistakes are going to happen on both sides and it is really how you respond that strengthens a partnership, and I feel we have always been responsive to the town’s needs.”
Krasinski was served with a summons Friday, notifying him that he has 20 days to respond to the town’s lawsuit.
Andrea Estes can be reached at andrea@plymouthindependent.org.