As the two student representatives on a committee of 10 members revising the noise ordinance to address outdoor amplified sound, we feel the need to explain and clarify a few things regarding the proposed ordinance. Although we are members of Student Senate, this is not being endorsed or supported by Senate.
The ordinance review group is looking at restricting outside noise. Amplified bands and DJs will be banned in the proposed ordinance, but non-amplified bands playing outside will still be permitted during the day. Also, this ordinance does not affect inside amplified sound, so indoor bands and DJs will have the same guidelines as they do now. In The Post's article from Thursday, I was quoted as saying that live bands in conjunction with drinking create a rowdiness that contributes to students acting out of control. When I said that, I meant that the committee feels that live bands could be a contributing factor to the out-of-control behavior that we have seen in the past years, but not necessarily the direct cause. The committee suggested banning outdoor amplified bands in hopes that parties will not get as out of control in the future.
It was a difficult topic to discuss, and we realize that this outcome will not be well received by everyone. As students, if you are displeased with the ordinance, we urge you to talk to City Council members and voice your concerns. We will keep you updated on this ordinance and will let you know when it will be taken to City Council.
This letter was signed by Robin Jones, a senior studying sociology who is the off-campus life commissioner and Killian Evans, a junior studying biological sciences who is the university life commissioner.
4 Opinion
