Neighbors ask for noise limits and parking plans as Moonlight Drive-In owners push to reopen

Several residents who live adjacent to the Moonlight Drive-In told the Washington County Planning Commission they want the venue preserved but asked the commission to attach conditions to any permit allowing amplified events.

Douglas Mead, who lives in Melvin Hills, told the commission the recent concert was loud and asked that any permission for live amplified events include explicit sound-abatement requirements and a traffic-control plan. "The music was loud," Mead said, adding he worried about amplified sound during special events and the impact on nearby neighborhoods.

Janie Warner, whose property also adjoins the Moonlight site, praised the physical improvements owners have made but said she is concerned about parking in front of her street and asked whether multi-day flea markets could become semi-permanent. James Page urged the commission to set a time limit for concerts, suggesting events end by 11 p.m. to reduce late-night noise.

Owners and an event professional said they had arranged overflow parking with neighboring property owners for the Clint Black event and limited ticket sales to capacity; they said they would follow county noise ordinances and work with the sheriff and fire departments on security and evacuation plans. The commission did not adopt conditions at the meeting but asked applicants to return with detailed parking and security plans.