Cape City Council looks for middle ground on noise ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau businesses will soon have to pay a little more attention to volume when they play music outdoors.

City Council is attempting to find middle ground on the debate over noise by requiring downtown businesses to apply for an outdoor music venue permit.

After Monday evening’s council session, Police Chief Carl Kinnison says this will set limitations for noise levels on an individual basis.

"The permit process would actually allow businesses to play music outdoors and also set some limits on that noise. If the business establishment went beyond those limits then that permit could be pulled," Kinnison said.

The application will give the city a better idea of each outdoor venue and prevent a one-size fits all noise ordinance that might alienate businesses.

Businesses must apply for the permits seasonally which will allow the city to make changes if necessary.

In other news, the city council approved an engineering study that may lead to co-ownership between the city and Cape County of the former federal courthouse.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

City council designs compromise on noise ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The ongoing debate over the noise ordinance in Cape Girardeau might soon find a compromise.

City Manager Scott Meyer, speaking at the City Council meeting Monday night, said that the city could issue seasonal permits to the few bars and venues that offer outdoor entertainment during warm weather.

"Well really, it’s an idea that is evolving, taking the combination of this event permit that we currently have and expanding that to be more of a seasonal permit that defines parameters of how venues can work, how they’ll be evaluated, and what level of noise, or music would be allowed at different times of the day and different days of the week," Meyers says.

Violations of the proposed permit may be given a small fine, but business owners could risk losing the permit for the next season.

Mayor Harry Rediger likes the idea of the permit and says he “doesn’t want to limit commercial activity.”

In other council news, a liquor license was granted to Cape Mart, at 238 N. Fountain Street, despite strong, outspoken opposition from nearby residents.

The council had previously denied the request at the last meeting due to community disapproval. However, they said their hands were tied because the prior business, Ganix Market, had been granted a liquor license.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More