The issue of the noise bylaw exemption for the Empire Theatre rock show weekends came before Belleville council again last night. Council had received some noise complaints, and Ray Smith who lives across the street at the Quinte Living Centre told council the noise last year was “atrocious.” He said there was also a safety issue with part of the street blocked off. Councillor Taso Christopher said a way must be found to accommodate both the residents and the theatre. The noise bylaw is very subjective not listing decibel levels but citing only “what disturbs” the complainant. City staff is working with the Empire on the noise issue. The exemptions were approved for a weekend in July and one in September.
