A proposed amendment to the noise rules in the Las Vegas Arts District has sparked a heated debate among local businesses, with many claiming that it could drastically alter the vibrant character of this entertainment hub.
The amendment draft seeks to ban late-night weekend outdoor speaker use, a change that could pose a threat to venues offering live entertainment.
Jeff Hwang, owner of Taverna Costera, articulated the concerns of many in an open letter shared on social media.
In the letter, co-signed by seven other establishments, Hwang warned that the amendment would significantly hinder the Arts District’s viability as a nighttime destination for both locals and tourists.
“This would completely cripple the ability of the Arts District as a whole to operate as a credible nighttime destination for locals and tourists alike,” Hwang wrote.
The debate began after the Las Vegas city government sent out inquiries last month asking local businesses for feedback on the proposed changes.
The city described this initiative as a review of the current noise regulations, asserting that no immediate changes were pending from the City Council.
Currently, an exemption from the 2011 noise ordinance permits outdoor speaker noise until 2 a.m. on weekends, a change that coincided with the Arts District’s boom in nightlife options.
If amended, the ordinance would replace this with standard city restrictions on amplified outdoor noise, which operate from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day.
This adjustment would level the playing field for Arts District businesses with surrounding establishments, such as movie theaters and casinos, which maintain strict noise controls requiring that outside noise cannot be heard from 50 feet away during the restricted hours.
The city noted that it had received complaints from some businesses in the Arts District regarding high levels of amplified sound coming from neighboring establishments.
As a response, officials sought public feedback to evaluate the current noise regulations in the area.
Troy Heard, founder and artistic director of Majestic Repertory Theatre, expressed his strong opposition to the proposed changes, stating that the ordinance does not currently impact his operations but emphasizing the importance of maintaining the area’s lively atmosphere.
“We already have an ordinance in place for noise,” Heard remarked.
“There are set hours and times and there’s also a decibel level that’s not being enforced.”
Heard, whose theatre opened in 2016, described the move to amend the ordinance as an attempt at gentrification within the community.
He identified a troubling trend of outside investors purchasing properties in the Arts District, leading to increased costs that threaten the local character and businesses.
“They come in and start placing limitations, ordinances and start changing zoning,” Heard lamented.
Conversely, the Midtown Las Vegas project, under development near Coolidge Avenue and First Street, indicated that it supports the dialogue on the proposed noise amendment.
“We did express concern about specific late-night noise disruptions, but we understand that this updated ordinance reflects the city’s broader efforts to adapt to the neighborhood’s rapid growth and diversification,” Midtown representatives stated.
They highlighted the significant increase in residential development in the area as a key consideration.
The city reiterated that any amendment to the ordinance is not yet determined and that locals have until the end of the month to provide their feedback through a survey.
“This is not currently on an upcoming City Council agenda or up for a vote,” the city confirmed.
Not waiting for the city’s decision, businesses in the Arts District have begun to rally against the proposed changes.
The Las Vegas Arts District Neighborhood Association encouraged locals to express their views during a recent board meeting.
“Right now, we are waiting for the comment period to be over and for the City to make their decision to either put the proposal up for vote or to leave things as they are now,” said the volunteer-based association in a statement.
Hwang’s letter further emphasized the stakes for Arts District entrepreneurs, many of whom have invested substantial resources into their businesses and have long-term leases.
A change to the noise ordinance, according to Hwang, could lead to decreased customer traffic, limited operating hours, and possibly force some businesses to close, resulting in significant job losses.
Addressing Midtown’s development, Hwang expressed a collective sentiment from the Arts District community.
“I think I can safely speak for everyone in the Arts District community when I say that these are projects we all want to see and want to welcome here,” his letter noted.
He articulated, however, that the existence of these developments is directly tied to the lively business environment that has already been cultivated in the district.
Midtown co-founder and COO Anna Olin echoed the sentiment of collaboration, affirming that community feedback is crucial for the city’s decision-making.
“The fact that the city really cares about the community feedback is hugely important,” Olin stated.
The Midtown project aims to support all interested parties in the Arts District and welcomes the ongoing discussion to reach a consensus that benefits everyone involved.
Ultimately, Olin expressed a wish for a resolution that serves the interests of all stakeholders within the community, ensuring that businesses can continue to thrive in the Arts District.
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