News Summary
Residents of Raleigh’s Belvedere Park Woodcrest neighborhood are expressing concerns about proposed changes to the city’s noise ordinance. The ordinance aims to regulate sound levels for businesses outside the Glenwood South area, responding to disturbances from outdoor concerts at local venues. While the changes offer a system for monitoring noise, community members worry about the implications for local businesses and their quality of life. As discussions continue, officials seek a balance that addresses noise issues while supporting nightlife in the city.
Raleigh Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Noise Ordinance Changes
Raleigh, NC — Residents of the Belvedere Park Woodcrest neighborhood in Raleigh are voicing concerns regarding a proposed update to the city’s noise ordinance, which aims to regulate sound levels more precisely for businesses outside the Glenwood South entertainment district.
Community Concerns About Increased Noise Disruptions
Longtime resident Lauren Markley, who has called the neighborhood home for over ten years, commends the area’s natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and spaciousness. However, she highlights recent disturbances caused by outdoor concerts at Bowstring Brew Yard, a local establishment located on Wake Forest Avenue. Markley notes that music and voices from these events are carried across nearby creeks and into residential areas, disrupting the peace.
Residents report they can hear lyrics and conversations from performances held at Bowstring Brew Yard, which has led to growing dissatisfaction among neighborhood members seeking a quieter living environment. The noise intrusions not only affect the residents’ comfort but also raise concerns about the impact on the neighborhood’s overall quality of life.
Details of the Proposed Noise Ordinance
The proposed ordinance introduces a decibel-based system designed to set quantitative noise limits for businesses operating outside of the Glenwood South area, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment options. Under the new rules, venues like Bowstring Brew Yard would be required to obtain permits if they wish to host louder events beyond specified limits.
Specifically, if adopted, the ordinance would allow outdoor businesses to have noise levels not exceeding a maximum of 75 decibels (dB(C)) without a permit. For higher volume events, businesses could apply for a permit that permits noise levels up to 88 decibels (dB(C))) during certain hours, with enforcement including hiring trained staff to monitor noise compliance.
Industry Perspectives and Local Governance
Matthew Goldman, owner of Bowstring Brew Yard, recognizes the importance of establishing an objective standard for measuring noise, emphasizing that measurable limits are crucial for fair regulation. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell supports the proposal, stating it aims to balance the economic interests of local businesses with the community’s desire for a peaceful living environment. The city believes that such measures will help manage noise levels effectively while allowing businesses to operate and host events responsibly.
Considerations for Neighborhood Impact and Enforcement
Residents and officials note that the ordinance’s decibel limits will vary according to time, day of the week, and specific city locations. The regulation also aims to consider neighborhood-specific factors, such as topography and the distance between businesses and homes, to ensure living spaces are protected from excessive noise.
Among public concerns, some community members worry that stricter noise regulations could adversely affect the local nightlife scene and the viability of businesses outside the Glenwood South district. Public meetings indicate that residents are not seeking to shut down venues like Bowstring Brew Yard or prohibit live music but instead want regulations that allow for coexistence between commercial activities and residential tranquility.
Conclusion
The proposed noise ordinance is currently under review, with community feedback ongoing. Its supporters believe the new decibel-based system will create a fair and measurable framework for noise regulation, while opponents emphasize the need to consider neighborhood-specific characteristics to avoid imposing undue restrictions on local businesses and residents.
As discussions continue, Raleigh officials aim to craft a balanced approach that respects both the economic interests of the city’s nightlife and the peace of its residential communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where does the controversy about the noise ordinance occur?
In Raleigh, specifically affecting the Belvedere Park Woodcrest neighborhood and outdoor businesses like Bowstring Brew Yard.
What are residents concerned about regarding noise?
Residents, including Lauren Markley, are concerned about noise disruptions from outdoor concerts, hearing music and voices from performances across creeks, which disturb the neighborhood’s peaceful environment.
What does the proposed noise ordinance entail?
The ordinance introduces a decibel-based system that sets noise limits for businesses outside of Glenwood South, requiring permits for louder events and establishing variable limits based on time and location.
What are the specific decibel limits proposed?
Bard on the proposal, outdoor businesses could operate up to 75 dB(C) without a permit, and up to 88 dB(C) with a permit during certain hours.
How do city officials justify the new regulation?
Mayor Janet Cowell supports the ordinance, believing it balances community comfort with business interests, and the city plans to enforce it through trained personnel monitoring noise levels.
What considerations are being made for neighborhood-specific factors?
The ordinance aims to account for topography and street distance, tailoring noise limits to protect residential areas while allowing businesses to operate.
What are residents’ overall expectations from the ordinance?
Residents seek an ordinance that permits coexistence—allowing live music and associated activities while maintaining the neighborhood’s tranquility, without bans or complete shutdowns of local businesses.
End of Article
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Raleigh Considers New Noise Ordinance Amidst Resident Concerns
Raleigh Proposes New Noise Ordinance in Glenwood South
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Glenwood South Noise Ordinance Concerns
- CBS17: Raleigh City Council Noise Ordinance Hearing
- Indy Week: Raleigh Noise Ordinance Lawsuit
- News Observer: Raleigh Noise Ordinance Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Noise Pollution
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
