Downtown noise levels to be discussed Thursday

LUDINGTON — The City of Ludington Buildings and Licenses committee will meet Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to discuss downtown noise levels. The discussion stems from the request of some downtown merchants who complained the 90 decibel sound level being proposed in the new outdoor dining ordinance is too loud. During the March 19 city council meeting Nate Petersen, owner of Backstage Hobbies and Games and Jeff Nixon, owner of Instrumental Music Store, both on South James Street, said they were concerned the level was too high (see related story here).

Petersen, whose business and residence is next to the Blu Moon Bistro, has been vocal in the past about outdoor dining at Blu Moon. He said he thought the 70 decibal proposal, made in a previous draft, was too loud.

“I find the 90 decibel level astronomically out of place,” Petersen told the council during public comment.

Nixon said he conducted a test at his store with music playing at 90 decibels. He said it was too hard to even hold a conversation with sound at that level.

The outdoor dining ordinance will allow businesses to have outdoor dining and entertainment in the downtown area without seeking special permission from planning commission. Instead, the businesses will need to follow the guidelines set forth by the Downtown Ludington Board. The ordinance was set for council’s approval until it the opposition was raised.

The city council has scheduled a special meeting for 3 p.m. Friday to take action on the ordinance. Both meetings will be at city hall on South Harrison Street.