Mobile Realtyreality

Recently there has been a lot of hoopla around proposed noise ordinances in downtown Mobile. I believe both sides of the argument have legitimate gripes. Some people have recommended rezoning parts of the downtown area. But is that alone the answer?

First let me look at this issue from the bar owners' perspective. Since the rebirth of downtown, the bars have played a major role in bringing people to that area. The bars aligned with the growing number of restuarants and art venues provide a major entertainment district.  The police now have a major presence on weekend nights and usually quell any blatant nuisances and disorderly conduct. So, it appears for the most part the situation with the bars is under control.

The bar district covers most of downtown Mobile from Royal Street on the East to Washington Street on the West side of town. And most of the downtown area is currently zoned commercial. The alcohol laws in Mobile are unrestrictive to a degree. Bars with private memberships can stay open and serve alcohol all night. Since the bars played a major role in the revitalization of downtown, then why should a noise ordinance b e imposed upon them? A noise ordinance may hurt business in an already economic downtown.

But on the other hand, how are Realtors, for instance, supposed to successfully encourage people to invest in new condos or townhomes downtown? Whenever I show property downtown, one of the first questions is, "how bad is the noise from the bars?" Now bar owners will argue people who move downtown should expect noise. Well, yes, that is true to an extent. But homeowners also expect to go to bed at a decent hour and sleep undisturbed through the night. And why should'nt people be allowed to live downtown and have that opportunity without being blasted out of their beds with noise from the bars?

So I truly think a compromise is needed. I believe portions of downtown Mobile should be rezoned residential without the option for commercial use. Give Dauphin Street to the bars, but return streets such as St. Francis, St. Michael, and others back to the people. Impose some noise restrictions or new laws, laws whereby bars are not allowed to stay open all night regardless.

It's time for people to move back downtown. It's time to bring more vitality downtown. It's time for the city council to examine the issues and make the strong decisions necessary to insure both successful residential growth and business expansion.