New London — Billed as a compromise between downtown residents and restaurant owners, the City Council recently amended the city’s noise ordinance to limit loud amplified music on weekends.

The newly revised ordinance limits by permit “the use or operation of a loudspeaker or sound-amplifying device” between 7 a.m. and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The ordinance previously allowed amplified noise to 1 a.m.

Councilor Martin Olsen called it a “reasonable and rational” compromise between the interests of business owners and people who have for years complained that the music, particularly on Bank Street, was getting out of control. He said feedback on the amendment, as expected, has been mixed.

While the amended ordinance applies to all establishments, it would have particular impact on the Bulkeley House Saloon at 111 Bank St., the only bar that offers live music until 1 a.m., according to Tammy Daugherty, the director of the Office of Development & Planning. The Hygienic Art also offers outdoor music, but its events typically end at 11 p.m.

Daugherty had worked with stakeholders leading up to the amended ordinance and told the City Council the noise has impeded economic development in some of the buildings downtown. The original proposed amendment would have limited amplified noise to 11 p.m.

Councilor Anthony Nolan wondered about the impact to businesses and said people who moved into the downtown area shouldn’t be surprised there is music coming from bars. 

Daugherty said she has heard testimony from residents about noise so loud, it was moving people’s furniture.

“It’s not like everyone has to be silent at midnight,” Daugherty said. “It’s just the amplified music.”

Daugherty said the establishments are not permitted as nightclubs but as restaurants. In the case of bars with windows open and speakers aimed out, Daugherty said they need close their doors or windows to limit the output onto the street.

Bulkeley House owner Albert Farrah declined comment when reached after the vote, but during a public hearing last year said the music was a big part of the reason the business was purchased in 2011. The bar has a special use permit granted to the previous owner and has music outdoors 35 to 38 times a year, he said at the time.

Others, however, welcomed the amendment.

Hygienic Art President A. Vincent Scarano said something had to be done.

He said on one hand the music is a sign of a revitalized downtown. It has brought people in to enjoy the urban living, but it’s those same people who support the local restaurants that are asking for a limit to the noise.

“Nobody wants to shut the bars down. Just turn the music down a little bit," Scarano said. "My argument is loud music isn’t going to bring people. The bass actually makes the buildings shake. Residents' beds shake, especially residents near The Exchange. Some people have moved. Others are threatening.”

Jose Garaycochea, executive director of Expressiones Cultural Center at 84 Bank St., said his organization brings in artists from other countries to live and work in New London.

He said sometimes they can’t sleep until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. and are unable to talk on the phone at certain times. He said much of the problem comes from speakers at The Exchange when all the windows there are open.

“I try not to complain, but for me it's important to reach a good balance,” he said. “The noise is really out of control.”

The ordinance calls for police enforcement of the provisions and possible revocation or suspension of the permits that allow outside or amplified music. The provision in the ordinance that limits amplified music on weekdays to between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. remains unchanged.

Daugherty said other tweaks to the ordinance were approved by the City Council. A full copy of the amended ordinance is not yet available from the city.

g.smith@theday.com

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