At it’s January 13th meeting, the Stuart City Commission began passing a revised amplified sound ordinance. The current one is unenforceable being much too subjective. The current ordinance’s enforcement depends on an officer’s perceptions. We don’t rely on perception when it comes to issuing speeding tickets. We shouldn’t for sound either.
The commission with the help of staff is attempting to establish a framework so as to balance the right of enjoyment for all residents, guests and visitors. This is not an easy thing to accomplish. All too often we complain (and I am no exception) about our rights being infringed upon. But in society especially when you live and work in a city there also are responsibilities. One of which is to consider the rights of others.
As I am writing this I am listening to “Grand Funk Railroad” which was a rock band of my youth. I know the music is above 65dB. Yet no one is complaining. There are no police at my door. If I were to put my speakers on my back deck at the same decibel level, my neighbors certainly would not be happy.
And here is the crux of the matter; is my right more important than my neighbors’. Do we owe each other some consideration and respect since we live, work and play in such close confines? Whether you own a business, performer, live in the city or all three there needs to be respected consideration of others.
What the commission has proposed is not unreasonable. I don’t know if it is too stringent or not enough. I do know that there is neither unalienable right to play loud music nor to have absolute quiet. The revised ordinance should take effect and then can be revisited if needed.
published Jan 25 2014 in Stuart Times