Lake Charles City Councilman Marshall Simien thinks a sound study should be commissioned on the lakefront ahead of a final
decision on selling nine acres of property to Mardi Gras Boardwalk.
His idea stems from last week’s sound check that was done along the lakeshore — which resulted in complaints from residents
on River Road and First Avenue.
Simien told the City Council on Tuesday that the music that was played at high-volume levels was even heard at his house off
Fitzenreiter Road.
“We owe it to citizens to go and get somebody who understands sound and find ways to mitigate whatever problems that can be
caused,” he said. “Before a developer gets into a big expense, we need to get answers as to what the sound will do.”
Simien was one of several city officials who listened to the music being played Thursday night. He fielded calls Friday from
residents who complained.
“One man even said his walls were shaking as the music was played.”
The sound test was done to provide city and Mardi Gras Boardwalk officials with an idea as to how far music played on the
property during concerts would travel.
City Councilman Dana Jackson told the American Press
on Friday that Mardi Gras Boardwalk officials would have to abide by
the city’s 90 decibel limit after the test proved residents
would be affected. The developer wanted the level to be 100
decibels.
But he is not interested in the city funding a new study.
“It is up to them to pay for a study to figure out what to do. They want to put a 20-foot wall up. Also, a seven-story building
would be constructed, which could help,” he said.
Simien argued that a professional opinion is needed.
“None of us are experts in sound,” he
said. “If we came up with a study that would assist developers, that
would help, especially
since we are talking about turning the lakefront into an
entertainment district.”
Simien said he was surprised at how far the test music traveled and understands the concerns of residents.
Simien said nobody he talked to is against development on the lakefront and that he considers it the city’s duty to protect
the interests of neighborhoods that would be in the vicinity of the proposed multimillion-dollar entertainment complex.
The issue will be decided in February.