The consultant helped cut Austin's commercial noise complaints by more than 70%, sparking hope that club owners can avoid drastic and arbitrary new rules. SanAntonio SATX SanAntonioTX LiveMusic SanAntonioMusic TexasMusic Texas
San Antonio punk band Piñata Protest performs a recent gig at Paper Tiger. Bar and club owners worry revisions to the city's noise ordinance could stymie their ability to stage live music.
On Monday, the city's Development Services Department struck a deal with Austin-based Sound Music Cities LLC to advise a task forceAlamo City residents have increasingly complained about noise from bars and entertainment venues located near housing. Meanwhile, owners of those businesses worry the city's task force could impose heavy-handed rules that hinder their ability to stage live music and result in shutdowns.
“Bringing on the 'Noise Whisperer' presents us with the opportunity to hit the restart button and better focus on solutions, incorporating both sound expertise and relationship building," the councilman said in an emailed statement."Don gives me a lot of confidence that we will start to see progress soon.”
David Uhler, president of longtime German American social club Beethoven Männerchor, said he's hopeful Pitts' involvement will stave off draconian and arbitrary new rules.