I’m writing in full support of the proposed amendment of the noise ordinance to allow ambient music at local restaurants.
I was born and raised in the Lewes area, and have resided within city limits with my family since 2008. During that time, I’ve gained perspective on how the City of Lewes has evolved over my 45 years of life while maintaining its unique charm, honoring its history and looking toward the future.
This has been accomplished because of one simple word – community.
I’ve watched this community successfully evolve into what it is today: transforming the boatyard I used to work at into the beautiful Canalfront Park; making enhancements to our schools and hospital to better serve all residents; and revamping the sleepy, beachfront town that was virtually closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day to provide year-round opportunities and services to its residents and visitors.
This town was drastically different 45 years ago, but its promising evolution is a result of community support that honors the past while looking toward the future.
The benefits of outdoor ambient music include the enhancement of the dining experience for patrons and the connection that patrons will then have with the establishment and the town.
In addition, there is the ability to engage emotion and boost morale, the ability to foster loyalty to that establishment, and many others that I’m sure have been researched and experienced in other areas.
Those with concerns point to Lewes’ Core Value No. 4: Lewes is a town of busy days and quiet nights.
As defined by the Meriam-Webster dictionary, ambient is “music intended to serve as an unobtrusive accompaniment to other activities (as in a public place) and characterized especially by quiet and repetitive instrumental melodies.” Please ask yourself, does the definition brazenly violate Core Value No. 4? I would believe that most individuals would state no.
Members of our restaurant community and their patrons are asking for the opportunity to go through the ambient outdoor music application process. This will enable them to enhance the dining experience and ultimately their overall experience in the City of Lewes. I beseech mayor and city council to consider the proposed ordinance with the known benefits and definition of ambient music in mind.
I understand this ordinance will not satisfy everyone and may require some enforcement, but we should not create policies based on extremes. As with all improvements, it’s the trust you must have in our friends and neighbors that will work toward the success of this ordinance. Please don’t shy away from the challenge of evolving a town that is already wonderful. There are plenty of examples of towns within our surrounding area where complacency has ultimately left main street deserted.
The City of Lewes was wonderful 45 years ago and is more wonderful today. Let’s responsibly continue to evolve as a city and community so we will love it even more 45 years from now.
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