ABINGDON, Va. (WCYB) — Proposed changes to the current noise ordinance in Abingdon are sparking concern among some musicians, local businesses, and community members, but some say it’s simply about being a good neighbor.
News Five’s Natalea Hillen spoke with a local business owner and the city manager to hear both sides of the issue.
Live music is a big part of Abingdon’s nightlife culture, drawing community members and visitors to downtown restaurants and venues. Currently, the towns noise cutoff is set for 11 p.m.
City Manager Mike Cochran said the proposed ordinance is meant to clarify how noise complaints are handled.
In the last two years, the police department has responded to 69 noise complaints and written zero violations. The problem is our current ordinance doesn’t have a measurable standard, said Abingdon City Manager, Mike Cochran.
The proposed ordinance would add a decibel limit, setting noise levels at 65 decibels after 6 p.m.
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Cochran said the goal is not to hurt local businesses, but to create a clear and enforceable rule.
The goal isn’t to be not music friendly. The town sponsors a lot of music events. This just provides a measurable standard instead of something subjective, said Cochran.
But some local business owners said they’re worried the change could impact downtown’s music scene if they have to shut down music at 6 p.m.
I was a little shocked. So far from what we have seen, we’ve had a lot of support, but we want to make sure the ordinance stays where it’s at, said Dwayne & Co. Co-Owner, Josh Fuller.
Others in the community said live music is part of what makes Abingdon unique and helps support local businesses.
A person News Five’s Natalea Hillen spoke to who didn’t want to go on camera said,
“Music is part of what brings life to a small town like Abingdon. As a former business owner on Main Street, I’ve seen firsthand how live music creates energy, supports local businesses, and brings people together. I believe our ordinances should reflect that spirit and not push music to end as early as 6:00 p.m., because evenings are when our downtown truly comes alive. Supporting responsible live music helps keep our community vibrant while still respecting our neighbors, said Anonymous Abingdon community member.
City leaders said there are ways for venues to adjust including putting up walls, speaker placement and moving the music inside to keep music from traveling too far while still keeping the entertainment going.
I don’t think it’s going to hurt anybody’s business. I mean, we have several businesses in town that do music pretty regularly and you know hasn’t been a problem yet, so I mean we’re just trying to make sure that everybody’s on the same page, Cochran said.
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The second reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for March 19 at 2:30 p.m., Officials said community members are welcome to attend.
