Noise ordinance in review

City Attorney Ron Brown will ask for commission direction Monday night regarding possible modifications to the current noise ordinance and Historic City News reporters will be following the discussion.

The city’s noise ordinance has regained center stage with complaints about a Spanish Street restaurant drawing an estimated 75 to 300 patrons and late night noise.

Complaints from neighboring inns and police calls to Donna Parks’ property located near the north end of Spanish Street, “Local Heroes” a bar and restaurant operated by Parks’ son, became the subject of discussion at the commission’s last meeting.

The current ordinance has been debated and adjusted in recent years; it is based on noise meter readings. Commissioners have in the past discussed and rejected a “reasonable hearing” method.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer