Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said Friday the city is continuing to work with the owner of the new Ford Amphitheater, who outlined additional noise-mitigation efforts being explored to address concerns of nearby residents — some of whom have complained bitterly about noise from the outdoor venue's concerts since it opened in August. The mayor's office posted a statement Friday afternoon after meeting with City Council President Randy Helms and JW Roth, the founder and CEO of VENU, the Colorado Springs-based entertainment company that developed the north side amphitheater. A presentation given by VENU to Mobolade and Helms was shared with the public by the mayor's office.
"I believe their efforts to improve are genuine, and I am pleased by their data-based approach, use of expert consultants and actionable plan," Mobolade said of VENU officials in the statement. VENU's presentation said the company assembled a seven-person sound mitigation team that has been studying solutions to noise concerns since the end of September. According to the presentation, eight physical changes to the venue are being considered to address noise issues.
Those possible changes include: a north and south extension of a sound-blocking noise wall that's part of a restaurant and event center building under construction on the east side of the amphitheater's seating areas; installation of sound absorption panels to the roofs of amphitheater buildings; and the addition of four solid-surface soun.