Locust City Council approves noise ordinance changes

Following a public hearing in which seven stakeholders expressed views, Locust City Council voted unanimously to approve changes and additions to the city’s noise ordinance as recommended by city staff.
David Lloyd and Roland Banks, both of whom are residents whose homes adjoin Locust Town Center, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance amendments, having cited music from The Brew Room, a downtown Locust restaurant, as being too loud.
“Locust homeowners in the area of Town Center will lose their residential noise protection of a maximum of 60 decibels,” said Lloyd, noting that the new standards would allow up to 80 decibels.
“When (The Brew Room) has outdoor live music, it measures 60 to 70 decibels at my front door,” he said, adding that he could hear the music and lyrics “over the sound of our cars.”
“Imagine what 80 decibels would sound like,” said Lloyd.
Banks questioned why the proposal would raise the permissible decibels after Locust Police had measured decibel levels and found no violations.
“It makes no sense (to raise it to 80 decibels),” he said, adding that “anything above 70 decibels could cause health problems.”
Other speakers opined that any perceived inconvenience posed by the music is a trade-off of living so near Town Center.
“We purchased a house near Town Center so we would be near businesses and activities,” said Rev. Brian Phillips.
“I’m a father of four children, and I don’t find it to be excessive. We don’t need to harm small businesses like The Brew Room…they have brought life to Locust,” he added.
The Brew Room owner Matt Harris and General Manager Michael Rasmussen said they had heard from residents and had taken measures to insure that the music is within limits prescribed by the ordinance.
“Our goal is to benefit the community and provide a family atmosphere,” said Harris, who said that he had met with concerned residents regarding the situation.
“We have installed sensors to ensure that the volume leaving the restaurant does not exceed 80 decibels,” said Rasmussen.
“We are trying to be a positive to the community,” he said, adding, “your decision will affect how Locust grows.”
Realtor Sheila Allison and resident Clive Leek also expressed support for The Brew Room.
“Their presence enhances surrounding businesses and their hours are reasonable,” Allison said.
“I’ve attended events there and can still have a conversation while sitting outside,” said Leek. “I can’t see how residents say they can’t hear in their homes.”
Councilman Harry Fletcher asked for clarification on what constitutes normal decibel levels.
“If the music is leaving The Brew Room at 80 decibels, what does it read when it reaches the houses a hundred yards away?” he inquired.
“A normal conversation, like we are having here, is about 60 decibels,” said City Manager Cesar Correa, who noted that the Locust Police Department had measured decibel levels at various locations in and around Town Center 20 times between June 13 and June 29.
“Our officers did this discreetly and unannounced,” said Police Chief Jeff Shew, “and readings ranged from 47 to 61 decibels at locations as close as City Hall.”
Given that the recorded decibel levels never approached 80 decibels, Councilman Mike Haigler suggested that the proposal be amended to drop permissible levels to “70 or 75 decibels,” but following discussion, the council voted 5-2 (with Haigler and Councilman Barry Sims in opposition) to pass the ordinance as presented.
In other business, the council:
• Authorized Correa to issue a Request for Qualifications for increasing the size of a water line along Coley Store Road.
• Discussed potential options related to improving traffic flow in and around Town Center.
• Approved a site plan revision to add a retaining wall and eight parking spaces at a building being constructed by Dr. Jason Martin.
• Scheduled a public hearing on a conditional rezoning for the Frances Estates development for the next regular council meeting (Sept. 12).

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.

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