Live music request
The Standard is currently allowed to play recorded ambient background music, but it is not permitted to play live or DJ music. The new zoning application seeks approval for so-called “ambient background noise.” which is not legally defined by the City of Miami Beach in a manner that satisfies BIRA. If their proposal is approved, The Standard could hire performers like DJs, singers, or rock bands.
The Standard says they will install what they call “a digital temper-resistant automatic noise level limiter” – that they will control – to keep the music at acceptable levels. To our knowledge, no other property in Miami Beach is currently using this type of equipment. The owners are asking Belle Isle residents to trust that this system will work and keep noise in check. Moreover, the owner of the hotel has had the opportunity to install and test this equipment for the past year and has not done so, which is telling.
The City’s existing noise ordinance is so weak that it offers no meaningful protection for residents. There have been 27,843 recorded noise complaints filed with Code Compliance, according to the City of Miami Beach website, between 2005 and December 2022. The problem is it is common for noise offenders to reduce the speaker volume before Code Compliance can witness the violation. More than 2/3 of complaints were dismissed by the City and reported as “no violation observed.” A paltry 453 cases – or less than 2% – resulted in a fine. The question remains, what is the benefit to Belle Isle residents that warrants granting live and DJ music at The Standard? This action will negatively impact the quality of life for Belle Isle residents.
Extended alcohol serving hours
The Standard is currently prohibited from serving alcohol after midnight. The Standard Hotel wants to serve alcohol until 2 AM. The additional hours of operation will attract a larger and different crowd. This will mean more traffic and more early-morning noise for Belle Isle residents. Again, the question remains, what is the benefit to Belle Isle residents that warrants granting an extension of alcohol serving hours at the Standard? This action will negatively impact the quality of life for Belle Isle residents.
What do you think?
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