Professor of Economics Mike McKee holds a stack of petitions against the proposed noise ordinance Tuesday evening at the Town Council Meeting in Council Chambers. Photo by Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

A draft of the ordinance from the January meeting faced heavy criticism and prompted a petition, signed by 61 business members and over 1100 residents, demanding higher levels.  Many Appalachian State University students became involved in the issue, fearing the ordinance could hurt Boone’s artistic culture.

Councilwomen Lynne Mason and Jamie Leigh acknowledged the importance of music and downtown vitality, but considered the levels on the petition unnecessarily loud.  Along with Rennie Brantz, they agreed to a compromise that fell short of the petition’s demands. Councilmen Andy Ball and Allan Scherlen advocated higher levels and voted “nay” on the ordinance, which will enter a trial period March 1.

Char owner Colton Lenz attended the meeting with several other local business owners. 

“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Lenz said. “I don’t think it’s quite right, though. It’s definitely an undue burden on businesses in Boone.”

The new ordinance allows 70 decibels between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays and 60 decibels overnight, an increase of five decibels in each category. 

On Fridays and Saturdays, the original draft remains unchanged, with the limit switching from 85 decibels to 70 at 10 p.m. 

The levels fall short of those listed by petitioners, who want 85 decibels until 2 a.m. on weekends and 75 decibels until 2 a.m. on weeknight.  In order to support music on the weekends, the council added a time period of 85 decibels on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Professor of Economics Mark McKee presented the petition to the council before the meeting.  After the ordinance passed, McKee expressed concern that the Jones House Cultural & Community Center would be in violation during their weeknight jam sessions. 

“Seventy is a little low,” McKee said. “I think there will be problems with that.”

The Town of Boone will not issue fines during the trial period, giving businesses time to adjust.  The council will review the ordinance in four months to decide whether adjustments need to be made.

Story: KEVIN ATKINSON, Intern News Reporter
Photo: OLIVIA WILKES, Photography Editor