Troy venues fume over city’s new 9 p.m. limit on street music
TROY — Troy has changed its rules regarding outdoor street music, now requiring businesses to end performances at 9 p.m.
In Troy, businesses are required to apply for special event permits to host outdoor music events. Businesses with approved permits were informed via a two-sentence email sent in late May that outdoor street music would have to end at 9 p.m. Before the change was implemented, businesses could play outdoor music until 11 p.m.
“There’s nothing better than sitting outside on a beautiful Troy night, watching the sun go down, listening to some local musicians play,” said Vic Christopher, who owns several Troy businesses. “Why would you want to limit that? It defies logic.”
Hayley Hill, communications director for the city of Troy, wrote in a statement that the change was made “after receiving several complaints about the downtown noise from both residents and restaurant/shop owners.” She noted that no changes were made to the city code.
“Many folks forget that downtown Troy, while bustling with businesses and entertainment, is also a neighborhood where many families reside,” wrote Hill. “They need to be able to relax in the comfort of their own homes without hearing overlapping music from all over downtown.”
Christopher said that residents should expect some noise if they are living downtown. “You’re in downtown, it’s supposed to be vibrant,” he said. “We are trying to compete with Saratoga as a top nightlife destination in the Capital Region.”
On residential property, in
private clubs, and at meeting halls, music can be played until 11 p.m. per code. Hill wrote that rule has “never been applied to businesses within the city code” and said these are “existing guidelines that are simply being enforced.” The code does not specify what time businesses must stop outdoor music.
Olivia Clemente, the Troy Downtown Business Improvement District director, said that some local businesses shifted their music indoors after 9 p.m. to accommodate the new rule. “The party continues inside,” she said. “The city of Troy is not ending music.”
Clemente also noted that there are fees associated with the permits businesses must apply for to have outdoor music. Hill wrote that “the administration intends to overhaul the permit process and guidelines at the end of the season in preparation for next year.” It’s not yet clear if fees will be impacted.
Christopher said his businesses haven’t been personally impacted by the change because he had already shifted to having music played in a private
garden area due to annoyance with the permit process. He also said that he has never personally heard concerns from residents about noise from his businesses.
Hill wrote that business owners have “been invited to the mayor’s office to address their concerns” about the change in enforcement. Christopher said he has not received any communications from the city since their initial email, but Clemente said that her communications with the city have been “really strong.”
Clemente said that Monday, businesses and residents gathered at the Arts Center on River Street to discuss the change. She said the meeting led to discussions of potential compromises about the end time for outdoor music that would satisfy the whole downtown Troy community.
The mayor was unable to attend the meeting, which she was informed about but was not officially invited by organizers to attend, Hill explained. “The meeting last night was brought to the mayor’s attention through a third party,” she wrote. Clemente said she hopes such conversations can include the administration in the future.