Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events And Noise topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves University of St. Thomas sound variances after neighborhood concerns
Summary
Despite testimony opposing amplified-sound variance requests for three events at the University of St. Thomas stadium, the council approved the variances, with members citing neighborhood vibrancy and economic benefits.
The St. Paul City Council approved three sound-variance requests from the University of St. Thomas for Welcome Days and stadium events after a public hearing in which a neighborhood representative urged denial.
Daniel Kennedy, speaking for Advocates for Responsible Development, told the council the proposed three days of loud amplified music would have an outsized impact on adjacent residential blocks and argued there was no demonstrated need for noise levels above typical permitted limits. "This is an extremely loud event," Kennedy said, warning that "80 to 90 decibels would cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure."
A councilmember who moved approval acknowledged concerns about the multi-day duration but said such events bring visitors who support local businesses and neighborhood vibrancy. After brief discussion the council voted to approve the variances (6–0).
