Beaufort noise ordinance discussion draws passionate crowd
When Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancy stood to talk Tuesday night during a debate among City Council, residents and business owners about the noise ordinance, he told them he had a solution.
It earned a laugh from the passionate -- sometimes tense -- audience of about 75 that crowded into a conference room with about 30 chairs.
"I lied at first; I don't have the magic answer," Clancy said later. "But it sounds like everyone in here is trying to work it out."
City Council once again took up the noise ordinance, which has periodically surfaced over the years. The most recent was last spring, when John North moved into a residence above and between Bay Street bars facing the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Police enforcement and complaints about the noise stepped up around that time. There have been 39 noise complaints and three citations on Bay Street since Jan. 1, 2014, according to the police department.
Tuesday's talk, however, was instigated by developer Dick Stewart of 303 Associates, who is looking at building long-term residences downtown and said he wanted clarification on the ordinance and city officials' goals for the district.
"We want to make sure we have clear understanding with the city about what you want us to do," he said. "... What we'd like to do is understand what the ordinance is and how it is going to be enforced."
Spurred by posts on social media, the typically sparsely attended work session filled with business owners and employees, city residents, downtown patrons, Beaufort Water Festival organizers and other interested parties.
With increased interest in creating residences downtown, Mayor Billy Keyserling said he wants to look more into a solution for balancing needs of residents and businesses -- specifically those catering to late-night customers.
"I personally believe residential and hospitality can be compatible if people think about someone other then themselves," he said.
Some audience members and restaurant owners argued that enforcement of the current ordinance is enough, while others said it is damaging their income.
The ordinance restricts loud music outside after 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and after 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
"I think at some point, this City Council has to be the adult in this room and say the party has to end at a reasonable hour," North said.
Donna Patrick, who is a DJ, said she worked downtown for eight years before learning about the noise ordinance -- and before receiving a $485 fine.
"I remember when I first moved here, downtown was the place to go," she said. "It was fun."
Rose Brunner said there needs to be a clear understanding of what downtown Beaufort is and what level of noise and activity will be there.
"If its going to be a bar district, it needs to be a bar district," she said. "Bars are open until 2 (a.m.). Not 1. Not midnight. So there needs to be an understanding with the neighbors."
Keyserling cut the conversation short, citing time constraints, and said it would be continued at a later date. No changes to the current ordinance are currently being considered.
"On one hand, I'm hearing, 'Enforce the ordinance,' " he said, "and on the other, I'm hearing, 'Don't enforce the ordinance.' "
Follow reporter Erin Moody at twitter.com/IPBG_Erin.
Related content:
- Beaufort to attempt to solve parking concerns with research, task force, Jan. 2, 2015
- Beaufort City Council approves two-hour free parking extension, Dec. 24, 2014
- Downtown Beaufort bar seeks noise ordinance waiver for Water Festival, July 6, 2014
- After complaints about nightlife, Beaufort leaders consider noise ordinance, March 30, 2014
- Community partners, residents, business owners reflect on Beaufort city manager's performance, Aug. 13, 2014
This story was originally published January 27, 2015 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Beaufort noise ordinance discussion draws passionate crowd."