I got a reminder this weekend from a fellow city hall watcher that the city already had a discussion about noise ordinances . . . 10 years ago! I remember the discussion, it involved outdoor music at Stogeez and the time that music needs to stop.
Well, my response is that we need to revisit the topic, especially with the enormous growth of downtown over the past 10 years. I don’t think it is unreasonable to maintain a 70 decibel level during the day and 65 at night. Even without entertainment facilities downtown, the ambient noise downtown during the day hovers in that 68-70 area.
I can’t wait to hear the city’s argument on this;
One important fact the public should understand is that all of downtown is zoned to allow residential uses. The zoning for downtown also allows for commercial, retail, and a mix of other uses, which creates the unique atmosphere we all expect from a downtown environment. No changes have been made to zoning or the noise ordinance as a result of any new residential units in downtown.
If that is the case, how is a downtown nightclub able to operate for 6 years with NO intervention until residential units are built next door with an easement to hang patios over the roof of the nightclub?
It is no surprise to me that the city will fight any changes. Why? The building department once again screwed up and authorized something that should have NOT been authorized without a thorough discussion with the neighbors.
An established method for block busting is to play loud music until owners sell. Often it doesn’t work. It didn’t work on David Koresh at Waco!
From the Argus article:
“the city team is excited to bring the facts to light around the current downtown noise ordinance”
Translation:
No matter how many people show up to the council meeting and express opposing views, we’re still going to do what we want, not what you want. You’re wrong, so don’t bother.
Not a fan gets it. Most at city hall do not favor the public they represent. Hopefully, this next election will change that.