I understand and sympathize with the residents of Charlotte Amalie who are being denied the simple right of peace and quiet. I live in Red Hook where we too have fought for the ability to get a good night's sleep. It is unconscionable that the profit motives of a few are allowed by our government (or lack thereof) to adversely affect the majority, many of whom lived in those neighborhoods before bars or nightclubs moved in.
I remember some years back that the residents of Frenchtown, when faced with a similar problem, resorted to their own well-publicized methods to reclaim their tranquility. Not long ago, the same problem in Contant was highlighted in the media. In Red Hook, we fought and cajoled for years and the situation has improved but is not entirely eliminated. I have no interest in eliminating bars or nightclubs. We all enjoy them at one time or another. What I would like to see is that music is contained within the building.
In Red Hook, solutions as simple as keeping doors closed or installing a double entrance door reduced or eliminated a good deal of the sound emanating from these establishments. Insulation of walls may be necessary as well. Certainly, any violations of existing laws should not be condoned, either by Licensing or any other government agency. If there is not already a law on the books prohibiting noise being heard outside of a building, then our Senate needs to address this. Let us not forget that everyone has the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The residents of Charlotte Amalie do not sound very happy right now.
Steve Marsh
St. Thomas
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