Naples businesses worry noise complaints could hurt bottom line
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Rockin the Bay comes under fire in Naples for noise Video by fox4now.com
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NAPLES - The "Rockin' On The Bay" concert series that kicked off at Bayfront on Goodlette-Frank Road on Saturday lured new customers and lots of business to the area.
"They came here because there was something going on and that's what Bayfront needs." said Mike Bono, general manager of Tavern on the Bay restaurant.
Other business owners say it was the best day in sales that they have ever had since opening up.
"It's was great. It was wonderful. Saturday was my best night since I've opened," said Eric J. Becker, owner of EJ's Café.
Promoters tell Fox 4 that nearly 2,000 people turned out for the free concert that is supposed to continue every Saturday from 6-10pm until April 6th, but that is now in doubt.
Several residents complained to the city about the noise that was generated by the band and now the city is looking into whether a new permit will be granted during a city council meeting next week.
Complaints obtained by In Your Corner called the noise "totally unacceptable" while another said it was "quite invasive."
But not everyone who lives in the mid-rise condo development surrounding the concert found the noise to be a serious problem.
"The noise was fine. The noise was actually beautiful," said Charles Featherstone.
Businesses are worried that a handful of complaints could take down the concert that is a boon for business.
Naples Mayor John Sorey, who told us he received 17 phone complaints, said that music was too loud.
But should residents have expected some noise living here?
We obtained a prospectus that every resident is supposed to check before buying here.
It reads quote "no one to whom a quite, serene residential environment is important should consider purchasing a unit in this condominium for his own use or occupancy."
"Regardless of what they have signed is the reality is the city has a code about the noise level and they we in access of the noise level," said Sorey.
The Naples City Council is set to consider whether to issue a new permit to the promoters next Wednesday.
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