Nathan Hall's Wired Kingdom

The issue of a noise ordinance has been lingering for quite some time in the city. Folks that live downtown are tired of putting up with the ruckus from a few bars that generate a lot of noise.

Noise ordinance public forum
6pm Wednesday, June 2
Compass Center
201 Dixie Hwy. in Lake Worth

From what I’ve read in a couple of sources, the ordinance would limit noise levels to 65 decibels at the curb of clubs. That volume is about the same as normal conversation, which would seem to limit some clubs from even allowing customers to sit outside.

Obviously there’s going to have to be a compromise. Setting the bar for fines to start when a club exceeds 65 decibels is ridiculous and overkill. On the other hand, there’s probably little chance of this being resolved without setting some sort of standard, though I’d like that not to be the case.

My personal feeling is that events like Bike Night on Thursdays as well as Evening on the Avenues and bands performing at bars is too important for our community in terms of generating income from tourists and locals alike, as well as maintaining a reputation as an arts and entertainment destination in Florida. A Lake Worth without those elements is nothing more than a retirement community because you won’t have young people or creative people coming to live here anymore. People have moved to and bought houses in Lake Worth for the creative and occasionally raucous reputation it has – above all other places people have intentionally made this their home because of what it is.

If you can, please attend the meeting at Compass tomorrow. This issue is too important to the health of our community to allow a small group of people to shove it through.

For those interested, Juliette and I had a great time at the Florida Folk Fest this weekend, I’m hoping to have some pics, audio and possibly video clips up later this week, stay tuned!