In November 2010, the CHS blog covered the change in ownership of Bellevue Avenue East’s Lookout Bar. Jseattle asked new co-owner Michael Forte if he was aware of the noise complaints from those living near the bar. Forte replied, “We’re going to be present there. People live there. There has to be some effort maintained that there’s not a sound problem.”
Nearly two years later, can we judge whether Forte kept his word? Is there still a “sound problem”? If a picture’s worth a thousand words, perhaps the following short video is worth a bazillion words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Fp9XX8B7I
A technical note: I took the video with a droid smartphone; the audio was captured using the crappy on-phone mike. It’s not very sensitive and I was sitting in front of the apartment building across the street. The true noise level in the surrounding neighborhood is even higher than the video suggests.
Where is the noise coming from? Is it from some sort of outdoor bar area or is it from patrons standing on the sidewalk outside?
It’s coming mostly from patrons at sidewalk tables and standing around in front. The bar’s sound system inside also contributes to the noise.
If the Lookout has a permit to use the sidewalk then presumably you could convince the city to restrict the hours of operation of this outdoor area. If the Lookout does not have a permit, then it is illegal for them to allow patrons to drink there. If there are doing this, they could lose their liquor license.
If I were you, I would send this video to the mayor and city council members and ask them what they will do to protect your right to reasonable peace and quiet in your own home. Keep us posted on how things turn out!
The Lookout has a permit for the sidewalk tables.
Your suggestion that I bring the matter to the attention of city officials is an excellent one. Thanks, A-Chan.
surprised that this didn’t inspire the usual shit-parade of drunk losers suggesting a) move to monroe or b) waste electricity by constantly running a fan.
for many, many years, this was a very quiet area of the hill, which is the reason that many of us have chosen to live here. thanks a bunch, lookout. you have ruined my neighborhood.