People are attracted to living downtown
Charlie Betts, executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance, a coalition of property owners and businesses, says the organization’s aim is to continue to build a more dense downtown. “We hear about [sound complaints] through the hotels and apartment towers,” he explains, such as incidents when visitors ask hotels for refunds because vibrating windows kept them awake. Betts emphasizes, though, that “our goals are the same as the city’s. People are attracted to living downtown, and one reason is the live music scene.”
Pitts says that his office plans to focus on getting more clubs to take out MVA Program loans, and he’s been contacted by officials from San Francisco.
“Austin’s Music Venue Assistance Program helps venue owners strengthen their businesses in order to avoid future conflicts,” Benjamin Van Houten, business development manager for San Francisco’s Nightlife and Entertainment Sector, writes in an email. “We’re looking at it as an important model as we help entertainment venues access our small business loan programs to achieve this same goal.” The Bay Area city is even looking at pre-empting problems with legislation recently introduced that would provide an opportunity for developers and nearby venues to meet in a hearing before the city’s entertainment commission and require new residents to receive notice that they’re moving near an entertainment venue.
But while increased venue participation will help, it won’t eliminate the tension between Austin’s live music identity and its push for downtown density. When asked if he sees residential growth affecting the music scene, Garrett quickly responds, “I do. And it’s not just for the live music venues.” He gives the example of the sound ordinance’s rule that on Wednesdays, outdoor music must cease at 10:30 p.m. This applies to bars with patios, which are “a big thing in Austin.” He notes the perception that establishments are getting ticketed if any sort of music is coming from the speakers, even if no residents have lodged complaints, and he says this never would have happened just a year or two ago.