This is Radio Clash : Austin’s Sound Ordinance Debate
Whether it’s outdoor concerts at Zilker and Waterloo Park or one of the many clubs on 6th St. or Red River, Austin’s sound ordinance has long been a hot button issue. We have the most live music venues per capita of any city in the world, and as new condos and high rises are built downtown, the inevitable debate has started again.
When purchasing property in The Live Music Capitol of the World, in an entertainment district, you should reasonably expect that there is going to be live music around you. That’s not a hard conclusion to come to. I’m completely mystified by stories of various downtown residents and hotel patrons complaining about music being too loud. Austin is known for it’s live music. If you’re going to be bothered by live music, don’t live near a venue. It really is that simple.
Don’t live near venues, and leave the hip urban abodes for younger folks, like myself, who relish the idea of living downtown.
However, in the spirit of compromise and urban development, it seems there has been a deal struck to appease all parties. Mohawk and Club Deville are two clubs impacted by the sound ordinance conflict, as new apartments have gone up directly across Red River from their locations. Agreeing to end shows earlier gives a glimmer of hope for those of us against lowering the sound restrictions even further.
I’m interested to hear from those of you in favor of lowering the sound restrictions. Does the Mohawk/Club Deville agreement ease some of your concerns?
Have residents of other cities had any similar issues with sound ordinances?
Tags: austin music. austin sound ordinance, club deville, mohawk, red river, transmission entertainmentRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Austin Sound Ordinance
3 opinions for This is Radio Clash : Austin’s Sound Ordinance Debate
M1EK
Jun 4, 2008 at 12:18 pm
The stories of downtown and hotel residents complaining are largely myths — there’s one old lady who’s lived on 6th for like 50 years who pops up now and again, but other than her, the opposition is entirely composed of people like Jeff Jack and his cronies up the hill from Barton Springs Road. People who are in single-family houses who can’t stand the SMALL amount of noise they get which ends fairly early in the evening anyways.
awolken
Jun 4, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Where is information on sound complaints publicly available?
M1EK
Jun 4, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I’m referring to reports from meetings of the various commissions that have had to deal with this issue over the years - coverage at places like austinist most recently.
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