Residents boiling over Peas concert

Alexandra residents were given a chance to vent Wednesday night about a Black Eyed Peas concert scheduled for their community on Labour Day, but with close to half the tickets sold already, the event seems certain to go ahead.

'P.E.I. needs the business.' Gail Judson

Almost 60 people gathered in Pownal to speak with the promoter of theconcert. They said their quiet rural community, just east of Charlottetown, with a population of about 300, isn't the place for such a big event.

Residents voiced concerns about parking, security, transportation and alcohol consumption.

"I would not give my permission or consent to the event, nor am I in agreement with there being a liquor licence issued," said Fred Osborne.

Concert promoter Dave Carver assured the meeting that organizers would fence and guard neighbouring properties if that's what residents want. Carver said he doesn't think there will be a problem with people lingering around the site after the show.

"I would think that 99.9 per cent of those people want to get in their vehicles, get on the bus, and go back to where their hotel is, where the restaurants are, where the bars are," he said.

While there were some angry words directed at Carver, only about half of the people at the meeting raised their hands to indicatethey were opposed to the concert. About a fifth raised their hands to show support.

"P.E.I. needs the business,"said Gail Judson, who lives across the street from the concert site.

"I work in the tourism industry, in the hospitality industry, and tourism's down."

Carver told CBC News Thursday that there is some consideration being given to moving the site of the concert, but could not say where it might be moved to.

Wherever on P.E.I. the concert is held, Carver is optimistic the sales goal of 20,000 tickets will be reached.