Council approves amendments to noise ordinance
COSHOCTON – Members of the community were again present at the Coshocton City Council meeting to address their concerns with amendments to a city noise ordinance.
First to speak at the March 26 meetings was Andre Servais who read a letter on behalf of Uncorked. The owners of the establishment were asking that the ordinance not be changed and that outdoor music continue to be allowed until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 p.m. the rest of the week.
Servais further explained that Uncorked is an upscale venue that provides culture opportunities to residents and tourists. Changing the times music must end would financially hurt their business and possibly tourism, which is important to Roscoe Village and the community. Since this is a city-wide ordinance it also would impact the fair, any outdoor concerts, poker runs held as benefits and even weddings.
Dave Unger, a resident of the Roscoe Village area, however, was hoping council would change the ordinance.
“It (the music) is loud,” he said. “It’s just that simple.”
Councilman Brad Fuller who chairs the ordinance committee thanked everyone for their input and also wanted to clarify a point.
“We were not looking to change this ordinance,” he said. “We were responding to a complaint we received. It’s important we look at both sides.”
Fuller wished there was a way to resolve the issue without government being involved, but unfortunately now they have to.
“Someone is going to end up leaving here unhappy,” he said.
Later on in the meeting, Councilman Roger Moore motioned that the amendment be placed back on the table. It was then amended for music to end at 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10:30 p.m. the rest of the week. A third reading was given and the changes passed.
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Steve Mercer and Safety Service Director Max Crown announced that demolition of two houses by the water plant will start in April. Crown added that another April project will be installing playground equipment at Bancroft Park.
Category: Government
