Plaza Towers condo owner Dan Hibma supports the amphitheater.
“Our interest is to see the amphitheater is a great success and not a source of complaints.”
But he and other downtown residents are concerned because operators of the proposed amphitheater on Market Avenue along the Grand River will have a noise ordinance exemption until 11:00 PM.
“They have said all we are going to hear is a free concert all we are going to hear is the boom, boom.”
Plaza Towers resident Hal Froot says he understands the decibel level in his condo will compare to a vacuum cleaner.
“Put on a vacuum cleaner and have dinner and see how annoying that is.”
Grand Rapids mayor Roselynn Bliss and city manager Mark Washington say architects and sound engineers will find ways to minimize the noise nuisance.
“I have a lot of faith and confidence in the people around the table working on that.”
“I’m confident we will be able to make sure there are clear expectations.”
But commissioner Jon O’Conner also says downtown will always include sound.
“And if you make the choice to live downtown you are going to experience that.”
“What do we want? We are asking for the ability to enjoy living in our home.”
