Review Bradenton noise ordinance
At one time, the city of Bradenton had big plans and high hopes for Ninth Street West, designating this urban corridor as an entertainment district. Last month, the City Council appeared poised to adopt a restrictive noise ordinance that runs counter to that economic development goal. At that time, the council voted to piggyback on Manatee County’s ordinance, still under construction.
The county proposal caps decibel levels at 65. Bradenton’s current “sound control” ordinance, adopted in 2007, already restricts the decibel maximum of “amplified sound not in a completely enclosed building” to 65 dB between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. During the remainder of every day, the noise ceiling is 75dB for continuous sound.
Live rock music clocks in from 108-114 dB. By comparison, a car wash typically operates at about 89 dB, according to a Purdue University report. A leaf blower (110 dB) and power saws (110) clearly violate the 65 dB limit.
The impact on at least one business in the entertainment district has been immense. New nightlife businesses might look askance at selecting Ninth Street West as a profitable and worthy location.
There are enough buildings for sale on Ninth Street that are perfect for new restaurants and really nice outside venues. I don’t see anyone wanting to invest in it under this environment.
Frank Tschida of Motorworks
The city of Palmetto is taking a very prudent approach, declining to adopt the entire county’s proposal but carving out some provisions while developing language that is more applicable to the city. Topics on the table include an ordinance that addresses goals for downtown, mixed-use environments and entertainment districts, possibly allowing longer hours for music on weekends.
Last week, Bradenton decided to reconsider the issue but retain decibel restrictions after 10 p.m., Mayor Wayne Poston stated. The Ninth Street West entertainment district would be obliged to follow the rule.
The issue exploded into the spotlight when Motorworks Brewing, a flourishing pub whose specialty brews are gaining fame across the state, became the target of repeated calls to police over band performances and other events in the large beer garden. Co-owners Denise and Frank Tschida are upset at the loss of patrons over the noise, citing a group of people who drove from Orlando to enjoy the garden but became bewildered when the band quit at 10 p.m. Other customers fled, too, leaving the beer garden a silent monument to tight noise restrictions.
Apparently, one individual fairly new to the neighborhood is responsible for most of the complaints to police about Motorworks. And apparently there is not widespread opposition to the beer garden events extending to 11 p.m. weekdays and midnight on weekends and the day before a holiday. Late-night entertainment is a major draw for the brewery. Unplugging bands at 10 p.m. ruins that appeal.
The city rolled out the welcome carpet when the Tschidas came calling with a desire to take part in Bradenton’s vision of an arts and entertainment district, which includes Village of the Arts, a continuing city priority for revitalization. Indeed, the city is working to create connectivity between downtown and the village to increase tourism. Several projects are under way with more on the horizon. An entertainment district in an urban setting is a natural fit, something that would broaden the visitor experience.
Bradenton should address several questions: Has the plan for an entertainment district vanished? If so, why? If not, why not create noise exceptions for certain districts — as Palmetto is considering? We’d like to hear a council discussion on this issue.
Frank Tschida put the issue in those broad terms in an interview with the Herald’s urban affairs reporter, Mark Young: “There are enough buildings for sale on Ninth Street that are perfect for new restaurants and really nice outside venues. I don’t see anyone wanting to invest in it under this environment.”
The Tschidas urge the City Council to reconsider the noise restrictions and launched a public petition in protest. Hundreds have signed on. That sends a strong message of support to the council.
Meanwhile, Palmetto is playing it smart. One idea is different noise standards for different districts, including entertainment, residential and commercial zones.
Is that reasonable for Bradenton? Should one decibel size fit all districts?
This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Review Bradenton noise ordinance."