Is It Too Loud In Downtown Hallowell?

This summer, downtown Hallowell is bustling with...noise. The condensed area downtown has been a cause for concern, and now the City Council will hold a public hearing to talk about changing a noise ordinance to allow outdoor music on Water Street past 9 p.m. during city-sanctioned events, including Old Hallowell Day.

Some residents raised concern over noise when the Quarry Tap Room put up an outdoor patio.Thus far, there has not been an issue. According to the Hallowell City Ordinance, noise levels in the downtown business district cannot exceed 60 decibels between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 50 decibels between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. The proposed ordinance would allow music during Old Hallowell Day weekend until 1 a.m.

The hearing is scheduled for July 10th.