No Domed Tent, but Rollerworld Survives

The domed tent that had nearby homeowners wincing no longer covers a controversial roller-hockey rink called Stuart’s Rollerworld.

But neighbors who fought for three years to have roller hockey ended at the facility because of excessive noise, lights and fights between fans may have to wait before Rollerworld is gone for good.

Stuart Silver, owner of the rink on Canal Street and Meats Avenue, told the City Council Tuesday that he is building an indoor roller-hockey rink three miles away in Anaheim.

At the meeting, he said he was prepared to concede to neighbors’ demands and pull up stakes.

On Wednesday, Silver said he had taken down the tent but may keep the Orange rink open for at least 90 days.

Even with the new rink in Anaheim, he may use the old one for practice games, he added.

Because city regulations govern the way conditional-use permits work, city officials have little choice in the matter.

Under the permit the city originally gave him for an open-air rink, Silver could run hockey games until 10 p.m.

When he covered the rink with the large canvas tent, which neighbors said was unsightly, the city imposed new restrictions on his operation, arguing that it was a different structure.

Those new rules are void since the tent is gone, city officials said, and the earlier rules are back in play.

The original permit can only be changed or revoked by again going through a lengthy permit process.

Silver on Tuesday had asked to be allowed to continue operating the rink with the dome covering, which protects the sensitive floor and the 600 or so players from the elements, for another 90 days. City Council members said he could only have an additional 30 days.

Silver vowed Wednesday to continue his fight.