Downtown residents and merchants share a common interest in the ongoing development of our Downtown, and both parties wish to have a strong and open relationship, working together on important issues that ensure a vibrant and balanced growth for our Downtown. “Outdoor amplified entertainment” is an opportunity which has recently engendered a helpful dialogue between residents and restaurants. Many have approached the DLA, wondering if we sponsor an official policy on this issue.
But the DLA, seeing restaurants and merchants not just as service providers, but neighbors, seek to use this discussion to develop a healthy “neighborly” relationship, built on openness and trust.
As in any healthy relationship, both parties benefit from a common understanding through dialogue. The DLA has listened to both residents and restaurants talk about this issue on numerous occasions, so we decided it would be helpful to share some important points that may help in future discussions.
- Residents are typically frequent customers, and desire a ‘special’ relationship with the merchants located in their neighborhoods that may be different from other customers. For example, this might include being informed when significant changes are being planned that impact product / service offerings or the local environment.
- Residents share a wide range of views with respect to restaurants using outdoor music, and these views differ by residential building and neighborhood.
- Unlike most suburban neighborhoods, people who decide to live Downtown are often attracted to the vibrancy and energy in their neighborhoods where outside music is available.
- Residents support the use of Outdoor Amplified Entertainment Permits issued by the city that are used to control the frequency, sound limitations (decibel level) and duration of music, and expect these provisions of the permits to be enforced.
The DLA encourages regular, open communication between residents and merchants.
- We encourage residents to make the effort to get to know the owners/managers and staff of the restaurants in their neighborhood. Let them know you are their neighbor and share your thoughts about the neighborhood. Include what you like, along with suggestions for fine tuning that can often be accommodated between neighbors.
- Merchants should expect that residents are on their side, and that most residents are likely to be supportive of their customer-friendly plans for growing their business.
As Downtown Raleigh developes, we benefit together. The DLA is grateful and excited to feel a growing sense of team membership with residents, merchants and city officials who seek a balance that serves the best interests of all.
Comments to the post from Downtown residents and merchants are welcomed.
Really? Twitter link promised an opinion. This post sounds like it came straight from a campaign speech. Provide some protein to your topics.
As a resident Dowmtown, I have found that open communication with the neighboring restaurants and bars has helped our neighborhood with noise. We used to hear loud music at night all the time now the owner is more sympathetic with the residents. As residents we need to keep in mind ( as mentioned in the article) that the music brings in the crowds and the crowds bring in the money. We must be sympathetic as well to our bars.
I agree with allaboutdowntown. If the business owners are approached in a friendly and respective manner they are more likely to cooperate. This does not often happen. I find it very strange that people move downtown to be close to the activity and then are disturbed when they can hear it.