Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/301152
LeClerc pointed out the group is working on the documentation necessary for it to become a limited liability corporation and that it has obtained legal representation from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Sarasota attorney Morgan Bentley. LeClerc also told the commissioners, "No one's interested in being bad neighbors. We don't want to cause problems for anybody; we love our community." However, he said, "Sixty decibels might as well be 10 decibels. … It's easy to [go over the limit]." 'POLICE PRESENCE' Several speakers pointed to Sarasota's repu- tation as the "City of the Arts." "I've been all over the world," Yochim said, adding that Sarasota has a reputation for live music similar to those of Nashville, TN; Seattle; and Austin, TX. LeClerc pointed out, "We are the 'City of the Arts.' We celebrate that." "Hearing [music] wafting on the breeze is a good thing, not a bad thing," Yochim noted. "No one's windows are getting rattled here." Residents across Phillippi Creek from Bob's Boathouse dispute that, however. On the same day the Live Music Alliance representatives appeared before the commissions, Michele Chapman, who lives on Montclair Drive, told the News Leader in an email, "A musician's right to play loud music stops at our right to NOT have it penetrate our homes and bodies without our consent." Chapman added, "If the musicians would just be considerate of our rights, then there would be no conflict. Only due to the profound inconsideration of busi- ness owners and musicians are most noise codes even needed." Yochim complained to the commissions about the citations Bob's Boathouse has received from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office since the new noise levels went into effect, calling the action "constant police presence." She pointed out that once a deputy shows up, "People get nervous; half of our audience Residents on Montclair Drive are right across Phillippi Creek from Bob's Boathouse. File photo Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 38