The Town of Hillsborough continues to consider amendments to its noise ordinance in order to address residents’ concerns about amplified music coming from downtown businesses.

At the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, town officials heard more public comment on the requests to adjust the ordinance, which stemmed from the board’s previous discussion following complaints from residents about music coming from The Hot Tin Roof bar on West Margaret Lane. The proposed changes were previously focused on changing how noise was measured instead of the current ordinance’s method. At Monday’s meeting, however, members of the public spoke about enacting a different measure.

Homeowners who addressed the board suggested a designated cutoff time at night for businesses to stop playing amplified music. Others, however, said they enjoy the live bands at The Hot Tin Roof and a representative from the Colonial Inn said an ordinance change could affect them due to wedding receptions hosted at the venue.

Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver spoke to 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck following the board meeting. She spoke to the challenge of finding a balanced solution for the growing downtown scene and the nearby residential neighborhood.

“If we are fostering walk-able neighborhoods, which is something Hillsborough has been aspiring to for a long time and will into the future,” said Weaver, “this interface between businesses, night life and residences is going to be something that happens more than one place in town. We’re trying to navigate the space in between of wanting to continue having a vibrant community and nightlife, but also recognizing people need to be able to get rest.”

Weaver said discussions on the ordinance, which has been in effect for four years, are slated to continue before long.

“The next iteration will be [Hillsborough Police] Chief Duane Hampton bringing the town board some possible alternatives and changes to the noise ordinance,” she said.

For more information on the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners meeting, visit the town’s website.

Photo via Visit Hillsborough NC.

Related Stories
‹
Discussion on Potential Updates to Hillsborough Noise Ordinance Continues
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners heard clarifications and shared thoughts on changes it is considering for the town's noise ordinance.
Hillsborough Considering Amendment to Noise Ordinance After Complaints
The Town of Hillsborough may soon see a change to its noise ordinance thanks to complaints made to the town this week. At its first meeting of the year, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners discussed the concern from residents about updating the ordinance to address noise from a local business. Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver spoke […]
First Black Hillsborough Mayor Horace Johnson Dies at 95
Horace Johnson, a longtime elected official who became the first Black mayor of the Town of Hillsborough, died Thursday. He was 95 years old.
Hillsborough Passes Ordinance to Curb Feeding Wildlife – Including Vultures
The Town of Hillsborough now prohibits feeding or attracting most wildlife within town limits, updating its ordinance in an attempt to curb the nuisances or safety risks brought by certain species. The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an addition to its Regulation and Control of Animals ordinance on the consent agenda during its Feb. […]
Hillsborough Commissioners Voice Support for New Greenway Design, Cost Options
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners recently gave feedback and advanced a potential design for a new north-south greenway: the Ridgewalk.
Hillsborough Commissioners Approve Water-Sewer Boundary Extension for Chapel Hill
Hillsborough became the latest local government to pass a resolution in support of extending a water and sewer boundary south of Chapel Hill.
Hillsborough: Darab, Hughes and Lloyd Elected to Board of Commissioners
First-time candidate Meaghun Darab, plus incumbents Matt Hughes and Evelyn Lloyd, was elected to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners.
2023 Municipal Election Results for Local Races
Tuesday marks Election Day for municipal races across North Carolina. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. in the state and will close at 7:30 p.m.
Hillsborough Commissioner Matt Hughes Announces Reelection Campaign
Town of Hillsborough Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Matt Hughes announced his campaign for a second term on the Board of Commissioners on Thursday. “I am immensely proud of the work we’ve achieved in Hillsborough over the past six years,” Hughes said in a statement, “and therefore announce my campaign for a second term to […]
Hillsborough Commissioner Mark Bell Announces Run for Mayor
As several mayors are departing their roles in Orange County, the first candidate has announced plans to run for an open seat this fall. Mark Bell, a Hillsborough town commissioner, shared on Sunday he will run for mayor instead of seeking a third term on the board. The healthcare technology professional posted the announcement on […]
›