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ATLANTA - Atlanta’s music industry is in an uproar over a proposed ordinance that many say could devastate their business. The ordinance states that studios must be soundproof and can’t operate within 500 feet of a residential area.
Dozens of artists, producers and studio owners packed a city zoning review board meeting Thursday night. They wanted to voice opposition to the ordinance they said would devastate the booming music industry.
Atlanta City Council Member Felicia Moore sponsored the ordinance after violence erupted at a recording studio in her district. In March, Rapper Bankroll Fresh died in a shootout outside Street Execs Studio.
“Neighbors wanted them shut down,” said Moore.
Many said the ordinance would penalize everyone for the actions of a few.
“They’re using a machete to do the job of a scalpel, they’re taking a coarse approach to what is ultimately an enforcement issue of a noise ordinance,” said studio owner Ben Allen.
Zoning Review Board member Dr. Steven Lee said the ordinance would hurt the industry as a whole.
“My son’s a recording artist and he has a studio in my house,” said Lee.
The board unanimously denied the ordinance. Council Member Moore said she has had a lot of discussions with those in the music industry and will make some amendments to the ordinance before it goes before the full council.