The PB Post gets a little carried away in this article on the proposed noise ordinance...

Click title for link. I lived downtown for four years in the 500 block of 1st Avenue South. I was one that didn't mind the noise of the downtown coming from the commercial businesses. In fact, I remember being more bothered by what seemed to be constant sirens from fire trucks and police cars than noise from music, etc. But that is me and I understand that others may be more sensitive to this or might live in an area that might be in a position to receive more noise.

However, this sort or writing is a little bit over the top for this issue - my opinion.

The ordinance proposed for the downtown business area would set a maximum noise level of 85 decibels from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. and 65 decibels from 3 a.m. until 6 p.m. Measurements would be taken from the property line of the noise-generating property. The proposed ordinance also would allow enforcement without meters if the noise can be "clearly heard" 200 feet from the property line of the sound-generating property.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

The issue here is not ear damage due to prolonged exposure outside to noise - it's about disturbing sleep or being a nuisance. It doesn't rise to creating fear about hearing loss if you live in or around downtown.

Can we ratchet down the hysteria a little, please?