Sound Forum: the question of a "vibrant" downtown

By Anthony Paull
| 12:49 p.m. December 21, 2012

Arts + Entertainment
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On Dec. 19, Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo began the latest public forum on "sound" with a very important question. What is the expectation of Sarasota going to be in 30 years? A progressive livable city? A cultural arts destination? A beach town? A retirement community?

All the above?

The answer is at the core of the city’s current sound debate.

Caragiulo called the forum to obtain public input on proposed "entertainment zones" in the downtown core, which would have different sound standards than those citywide. He utilized the opportunity to weigh opinions from city residents ranging from business owners to musicians to condo residents. Tensions arose, but most agreed---no matter what the stance---everyone wants a vibrant downtown.

The disagreement stems from what constitutes "vibrant." For some it consists of restaurants and yogurt shops. For others---live music and bars. The truth is, preference doesn’t matter. The most important component of a "vibrant" setting is people. After dark, that is what downtown is lacking.

That’s why the topic of "sound" keeps coming up. There is a segment of people---including artists, musicians, business owners, and downtown residents---who do not feel recognized. The city wants to appeal to the creative class and entrepreneurs seeking life in an urban setting but then shuts off the lights at 10 p.m. Those affected are merely asking for light entertainment within reasonable hours.Caragiulo’s proposal makes sense. It is not a complete overhaul of the sound regulations but a policy creating a small exception to certain "zones" in the downtown core to create a "vibrant" climate for people seeking live music on weekends. In all, the "zones" would allow higher decibel levels on select days for extended hours (most likely ‘til midnight) like the standards for Mattison’s City Grille. There is also talk regarding whether "zones" should extend to help revitalize the Rosemary Court community. The proper regulation and enforcement of noise complaints is also on the table.

Still, Caragiulo’s plan needs tweaking, so we’re asking TWIS readers for suggestions.

Opponents of the plan don’t like the term "entertainment zones." Do you have a better idea for a name?

What specific downtown areas/streets you would like to see zoned?

Do you feel that noise complaints should be anonymous or public record?

Do you feel noise complaints should be measured at the property line of the complaint or at the source of the sound?

Feel free to respond in the comment section. We’ll be sure to pass along your ideas. And remember, Sarasota is a growing city. With that, we will experience growing pains. Let’s not make this an "us vs. them" issue. Every resident has a right to an opinion, and with hope, we’ll come to a solution that appeals to everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R1X2TxW5Rk