There's a decibel debate in downtown Springfield.

Changes to the current noise ordinance could force some business to turn down the sound outside.

More and more businesses are adding sidewalk cafes and at least one business has a large patio.

The city is trying to decide how to regulate the noise for the new downtown outdoor culture.

Bailey's owner Shawn Gott bought the old Rasta Grill building because he envisioned a large outdoor patio with prime corner space.

Gott says, "We really wanted to be an original music showcase."

Once Gott built the patio he says live acts quickly got a bad rap from neighbors.

Gott says, "There were complaints but mostly they concentrated on the types of music."

Both those that live and work downtown agree an urban area is never really quiet.

They say they're trying to keep the decibel debate civil.

Both want some sort of guidelines.

“It could keep people honest and they won’t abuse the system.” Gott said, “I don't want to be that person."

Terry Bloodworth owns Springfield Hot Glass just down the street from Bailey’s.

Bloodworth ahs lived downtown for six years.

Bloodworth says, "I'm not going to move downtown and then gripe that I live downtown because there’s noise."

Bloodworth says he wants business booming but not the sounds of downtown.

“We had occasional music issues." Bloodworth said, “The music was so loud you couldn't turn your own music up loud enough to drown it out."
Bailey's and downtown dwellers tested their tolerance with the help of some middle men.

Urban Districts Alliance Executive Director Rusty Worley says, "We had the health department come down with a decibel meter to monitor noise levels."

Worley says the suggestion so far is to keep outdoor music below 65 decibels, 50 feet from a business' property line.

Worley says, "A normal conversation is typically 65 decibels."

Gott thinks 65 decibels is too low.

He worries that no live band will want to whisper.

Gott says, "We want the opportunity to be heard too."

Right now all downtown players are just talking they say they hope the city council will listen and come up with reasonable regulations.

Worley says, "It can be done."

Under the proposed additions to the ordinance outdoor music could be played at different times on different nights.

Monday through Wednesday- 11:00 pm.
Thursday- 12:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday- 1:00 a.m.

The UDA's hospitality resource panel has held meetings about the ordinance for one year now.

Friday the group will discuss recommendations with the city’s planning and policy committee.

The city council will have the final say on amendments.