Like clockwork, Lake Orion police get at least one noise complaint each weekend from CJ’s Sandbar. Seven complaints over six weeks mark an on-going noise issue between the Sandbar and Ed’s Broadway Gift and Costume downtown.
Lloyd and Kathy Coe own Ed’s and serve as landlords for the apartments above.
They say the issue began in 2005 when the Sandbar opened its doors to customers after Sagebrush fire renovations.
‘We were led to believe that it would be an extension of the restaurant, not a bar with loud music,? Lloyd said.
Because one of their apartments shares a wall with the Sandbar, amplified music makes the residence incredibly noisy.
The sound is exacerbated by the Sandbar’s uninsulated brick walls and tin ceiling.
The Coes say the restaurant and bar is the wrong venue for live music, singing and karaoke.
‘We understand that with any apartments in the downtown area there’s going to be a certain amount of noise,? said Lloyd, ‘but this is just not right.?
Both businesses stress cooperation amongst downtown merchants, but the conflict’s longevity may demonstrate otherwise.
In a recent attempt to rectify the situation, CJ’s relocated its entertainment stage to the opposite wall and unplugged the amplifiers.
‘We’re hoping that this noise problem is now resolved,? said Joan Slomczenski. She and her husband, Carl, own CJ’s Cafe and Sandbar. She added that the restaurant is consulting a sound engineer and will consider adding insulation or additional sound-proofing the building if needed.
‘We don’t want any fights with our neighbors,? Slomczenski said. ‘The village is a small area with very old, interconnected buildings. We all need to work together.?