November 14, 2024
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La Salle approves 7 events at Nick’s on 6 with increased decibel level

Council acknowledges it can revoke event permits if guidelines are not followed

By Derek Barichello
Jenelle Manfredini, who lives near Nick's on 6, explains Monday, March 21, 2022, to Gary Hammers, Nick's on 6 owner, how the outdoor music at the business affects her at La Salle home.

Jenelle Manfredini, who lives near Nick's on 6, explains Monday, March 21, 2022, to Gary Hammers, Nick's on 6 owner, how the outdoor music at the business affects her at La Salle home. (Derek Barichello - dbarichello@shawmedia.com)

Nick’s on 6 in La Salle will have seven events this summer where music can reach 85 decibels between 7 and 11 p.m.

Despite hearing concerns from Alderman Diz Demes and a couple of his neighbors who live near the business, the La Salle City Council voted 5-2 Monday in favor of allowing the special event permits. Demes and Alderman Jerry Reynolds voted against the permits and Alderman Tom Ptak was not present for Monday’s meeting.

The permits may be revoked, however, if the city believes guidelines are not being followed.

Prior to approving the permit, the La Salle City Council voted 5-2 Monday in favor of adopting its special permits ordinance to specify it can vote on parameters, such as noise levels, timeframes and alternate dates of events, as well as revoking them if guidelines are not followed.

Demes said he wants the city to consult a medical professional to determine a safe decibel level.

The City Council has chosen a route, in which if event organizers seek use of city property, or permission to have music at elevated decibel levels, or music later than 10 p.m., or other requests beyond the city’s ordinances, the council can vote on these events on a case-by-case basis.

Events at Nick’s on 6 are set for May 14, 21 and 28, June 10, along with July 1, 9 and 23.

Jenelle Manfredini, who lives near Nick’s on 6, said she was compelled to attend Monday’s council meeting, because “it’s too loud.” She said she likes music, but believes the music is too loud for her to sleep or listen to the television in her house.

Proprietor Gary Hammers said the business will have a portable bandshell and sound walls, which should help help corral the sound, once they are erected. He also noted other events around the community have just as loud, or louder music over the summer.

After the vote in favor of the special permits, Demes said he believed the City Council was siding with economic development over its citizens.

Additionally Monday, the City Council approved a special event permit for Hegeler Carus Mansion, allowing use of city-owned property from June 3 through Aug. 26 for food trucks.