(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Environment Protection Commission rejected a request last week to allow louder concerts at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida, than the county’s noise ordinance allows.
Following a 4-3 vote, the commissioners told venue operator Clear Channel it would have to proceed with plans to build a sound barrier wall, prove that it works and then maybe commissioners could reconsider granting the noise waiver.
“I have one vote, and my vote is to fight to the end,” Commissioner Thomas Scott told the Tampa Tribune.
In December of 2004, the EPC filed a lawsuit against Clear Channel seeking to halt concerts at the 20,000-capacity shed until it could ensure that performances were quiet enough to meet county standards.
Clear Channel has denied violating noise standards and complained that the amphitheater was treated differently from other venues including nearby nightclubs.
The suit was put on hold in July when Circuit Judge Charlene Honeywell ordered the parties to mediate a settlement.
As part of the negotiations, Clear Channel has filed an application for the waiver, and pledged to build the soundproofing wall as well as move and lower the volume of lawn speakers.
Initial cost estimates for the changes were about $2.5 million, said Wilson Rogers, a Clear Channel executive from Atlanta.
“We’re definitely going forward. We have an investment,” Rogers told the paper. “There was more emotion that went into that vote than clear logic.” –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
