A group of concerned locals and students read a petition proposing a raise to the decibel and time limit of Boone’s noise ordinance at a meeting in 641 rpm Thursday evening. Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

Travis Reyes, owner of West King Street's 641 rpm, invited members of the community to sign a petition against the proposed noise ordinance Thursday at 7 p.m.

"I mean, people are pissed about it and they're angry and without some kind of structure to focus their frustration, it's just going to go out of control and it's not going to do any good," Reyes said.

Reyes organized the event through Facebook less than 24 hours before it took place.

Through 641 rpm's and volunteers' efforts, 431 signatures were collected as of press time.

Junior entrepreneurship and sustainable development major Devon Tuttle is an employee at 641 rpm and signed the petition. He said he was impressed with what his boss has accomplished so far.

"As someone who owns a record store, which he likes to consider a place for members of the community to come together and try to foster this kind of movement, he sort of takes it upon himself to be a platform for action in this community," Tuttle said. "He's obviously a younger person that's settled here and has really devoted himself to developing the scene around here. He's definitely got something that's worth fighting for."

Junior public relations major Megan Ternes signed the petition and volunteered to gather signatures at Appalachian State University.

"Some of us may be here for four years, but that doesn't mean we're not part of the community of Boone," she said. "We're here every day. We go down King Street to do shopping. We've really just kind of moved in and taken over. I think there's a lot about Boone that's special and unique to Boone itself that you can't find in any other town. I think that needs to be respected."

Among those invited to Thursday's event was Boone Town Councilman Andy Ball. He could not make it because of prior engagements, but said he is "a huge supporter of live music."

"It is vitally important to Boone," he said.

Both Ball and Reyes stressed the importance that citizens of Boone are a part of the democratic system.

"Make it clear you're a voter in this town," Reyes said.

Story: MICHAEL BRAGG, Lifestyles Editor
Photo: OLIVIA WILKES, Senior Photographer