Some Colorado Springs council members on Tuesday implored developers of the new outdoor Ford Amphitheater to take additional measures to mitigate noise after hearing from more than two dozen residents who said excessive sound levels emanating from the venue have interrupted their daily lives. Developers with VENU, the company formerly known as Notes Live that built the amphitheater, would not commit to specific additional noise reduction controls Tuesday, but said they are "committed to being a good neighbor." Since the 8,000-seat outdoor venue opened on the city's north side three weeks ago, neighbors living up to 3 miles away have been subjected to unwanted noise that has affected their quality of life and their mental health, they testified over nearly three hours of discussion during the City Council's regular meeting.
Neighbors voiced their concerns during a portion of the meeting where the public may comment on items not scheduled on the regular agenda. Several people said they don't object to the venue itself, but have been negatively affected by the loud noise that can come from it. During some concerts, area residents can hear music while inside their houses, even though their doors and windows are shut, they said.
Many struggle to have conversations with others in their homes and have difficulty sleeping because of the noise. Their children must try to study through constant interruptions at the end of the week, neighbors said. "I want to experience the quiet enjoym.