29th Street Ballroom
Cars That Go Boom
RECEIVED Tue., June 23, 2009
Dear Editor,
The recent adjustments to the noise ordinance are an obvious attempt to recoup money for the city budget shortfalls. I agree with Jeff Farris [“Postmarks,” June 19] that there are many more things out there making noise at times they shouldn't be, but how do they just overlook the most annoying and loudest noise generators? It's not the bands in this town. I have been going Downtown for more than 25 years to enjoy the music scene, and the thing that I hear when I am heading to a bar are the dozens of booming cars. I bet the decibel output is louder than the club I'm going to. How can you fine a club or a band for going over the decibel limit when I can't hear music coming from the bars because of these idiots who feel they have the right to play their music that loud? All the Austin Police Department has to do is stand at the corner of Sixth and Red River and actually fine people who are blatantly breaking the law. I guarantee within an hour the budget would be in the black. Someone please explain this to me because I don't understand it. When I have to park on 15th Street or even further (thanks, Teacher Retirement System), I do not hear any music from a bar, but I can sure hear the thumping of crappy music coming from someone's car on Sixth Street. That is nine city blocks. Tell me that is not against the law and that I am wrong. Try enforcing laws that are already in place instead of adjusting others to make up for lost revenue.
Just a personal note, there is only one form of music that is forced on me morning, noon, and night, and it's not pop or country or even metal. I have never once been woken up at 5am by Slayer thumping my windows.
The recent adjustments to the noise ordinance are an obvious attempt to recoup money for the city budget shortfalls. I agree with Jeff Farris [“Postmarks,” June 19] that there are many more things out there making noise at times they shouldn't be, but how do they just overlook the most annoying and loudest noise generators? It's not the bands in this town. I have been going Downtown for more than 25 years to enjoy the music scene, and the thing that I hear when I am heading to a bar are the dozens of booming cars. I bet the decibel output is louder than the club I'm going to. How can you fine a club or a band for going over the decibel limit when I can't hear music coming from the bars because of these idiots who feel they have the right to play their music that loud? All the Austin Police Department has to do is stand at the corner of Sixth and Red River and actually fine people who are blatantly breaking the law. I guarantee within an hour the budget would be in the black. Someone please explain this to me because I don't understand it. When I have to park on 15th Street or even further (thanks, Teacher Retirement System), I do not hear any music from a bar, but I can sure hear the thumping of crappy music coming from someone's car on Sixth Street. That is nine city blocks. Tell me that is not against the law and that I am wrong. Try enforcing laws that are already in place instead of adjusting others to make up for lost revenue.
Just a personal note, there is only one form of music that is forced on me morning, noon, and night, and it's not pop or country or even metal. I have never once been woken up at 5am by Slayer thumping my windows.
Phil Adams