Why we have mixed-use zoning
I very much enjoyed reading Ken Vail’s June 30 letter to the editor. And welcome to Benicia, Ken.
Ken’s comment that “the restaurants and bars would probably have increased business if loud music at outdoor venues could go into the night” raises some thoughts though. This comment, together with Mr. Lucca’s earlier words that went something like “if residents can’t stand the noise they should move,” suggests to me that people are forgetting some of the reasons mixed-use zoning exists in the first place.
Back in 2006 when the Mixed-Use Master Plan was developed, the benefits of mixed-use zoning were well-known by those working on the project. Some of these benefits included:
1. Having people living downtown provides a permanent frequent-customer base for downtown businesses. As to restaurants, as a downtown resident, I can attest that I and my neighbors are constantly visiting the downtown restaurants–for breakfast, lunch, dinner, take-out–far more than if we lived farther away. And there are our visitors. My brother-in-law recently stayed with us for 10 days, for example, and had breakfast downtown almost every one of those days.
2. Having residents living downtown provides “eyes on the street” and make downtown areas safer. And, of course, more people will visit the businesses in downtown areas where they feel safe than in such areas where they do not.
So would business be better in the downtown if Mr. Lucca got his wish and the residents all moved out and he could play his music as loud as he liked for as long as he liked?
Donnell Rubay,
Benicia
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First off I do not believe the music at Lucca’s is loud. A good mix of music outdoor and indoor is very good. Almost all eating places have outdoor eating areas when weather permits as would outdoor music venues. I personally believe the music, bars, restaurants, is a big attraction. I live three blocks from the start of downtown. I love it. Very convenient, safe and guess what I do get some walking in. I believe the events that the local business put on are great for our city. Was the music in the park on the 4th to loud, are the street music entertainers too loud on Farmers Market day, the sax playing in the Farmers Market day too loud. NO. To me it shows a very exciting atmosphere for all to enjoy. It does bring folks downtown. I believe we should have more outdoor music. We all must not be selfish about what we want. This city is for the residents and its visitors. Everyone that visits our family loves the variety of downtown bars, restaurants, music, stores. A very exciting First Street. Lets all get behind Lucca’s and all business and their employees.. This town is for everyone not just a small group of selfish folks. I do not think the music restrictions as they stand are not bad at all. 8:00 and 9;00 PM is not out of line. But at the same time the hours should be extended to 9:00 and 10: PM for certain times during the year. What is next no outdoor music at all.
I believe more people would want to live downtown if it were more entertaining, i.e. More outdoor music.
First Street is suppose to attract people beyond those that live downtown. With the current ban on music, and those that support the ban, it appears there are a few Benicians that believe First Street is only to serve First Street residents. It may be nice for the few but most Benicians want a more entertaining First Street.
Good Comment. You are correct.
Every Fourth of July, I am fortunate to be able to hear the bands at City Park from our home. Give me a good loud “Mustang Sally” any day of the week! A symphony band has been practicing in the parish hall of St. Paul’s here lately. Full brass sound. Loud? What is loud? Amplified/loud music is a core component of any lively street scene anywhere in the world. If this is what we strive for, a tolerance for loud outdoor music must be part of regulatory processes. I believe too much time is being wasted on decibel management. Unless there is a real time measurement by a certified instrument at the moment of complaint, at the location of the complainer, there will be no enforceability The police are wasting their time advising business owners of a complaint.
The fact is, setting aside any views on LBG’s response to city efforts to curb their decibels, LBG has become a destination, and is pulling in big $ale$ tax numbers judging from the absence of empty tables I have observed on my regular tours. LBG also is linked to many prominent local world-stage musicians, some that perform there and draw even more visitors to town. Many people I have spoken with have no problem with so-called loud music along First Street, There does not appear to be any political consequence to supporting more and varied outdoor music venues. I want to hear some Glen Miller someday!
Instead of wasting time with decibel games, set the days and hours outdoor music is allowed, How many people actually are directly impacted by so-called loud music along First Street? There may be an engineering solution, but LBG should not be expected to bear that cost alone.
Extremely well said!
I agree. Let the music play. It’s good for our city!