Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/114013
Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 Page 16 "On one side you have the neighborhoods, with an interest in preserving their quality of life," he said. "On the other are people who rightfully support the idea of entertainment." "We're a growing town and an urbanizing town, and we need to offer urbanism, a little entertainment and a little extra entertainment." Siegel gave an air of urgency to the discussion. "If we don't get it right, we'll lose control of this city. You cannot let this go without proper enforcement," he said. "We have to get a hold on it and act on it immediately." But a majority of the speakers did not see it that way. "This is out of control; it's too loud," said condo dweller and former Sarasota County Commissioner David Mills. "Right now it's totally out of control." City Commissioner Terry Turner interrupted: "We suspended enforcement of the zoning code portion relating to amplified music because it was highly likely we would be sued on First Amendment grounds," he said. "You indicate a balance [is possible] and we can regulate sound with respect to time and place." David Eschell lives in one of the condos around Five Points Park. "We are very concerned about after-hours noise and rowdyism," he said. "We're at a crossroads. We really have to control what's happening." Bars and restaurants from O'Leary's on the bayfront to establishments up and down Main "The cardinal rule is, don't prohibit," said Sie- Street to Burns Court were singled out by gel. "Regulate." name as problems. Judge Brenner even fingered a dress shop with an outdoor speaker. LET THE GAMES BEGIN! Their refrain became a mantra: "It's not right Caragiulo then opened the floor to public to affect the local people who are paying taxes." comment. Musicians and music lovers were badly outnumbered Monday. Downtown resident Christian Ziegler tried to elevate the conversation. "We are the arts capital of the Southeast. Part of that is our music and our musicians. We need to keep that reputation. Music is one of the biggest draws for the city," he said. "Make In fact public expectations are framed par- Sarasota a destination." tially on when people first experienced downtown. A Gillespie Park resident said, "In 1985, MEANWHILE, 20 BLOCKS NORTH downtown was really busy. Then it died. I Downtown is not the only part of town with don't know why people buy property downa sound problem. Earlier in the evening, the town and don't consider the noise." city commissioners held a public hearing on Charter boat Capt. Wayne Genther told the an ordinance to stop cars from blasting music commission, "My clients are astounded the into neighborhoods in the middle of the night. city goes pretty quiet at night." He added, Some car stereo systems are so loud the noise "It has been proposed the city be made more vibrant. If so, the walls and windows downtown will vibrate," said retired New York Judge Frank Brenner. "Sarasota does not need to be more vibrant. It needs to be more habitable."