Neighbors Say Plaza Bar Ignores Noise Ordinance, Complaints Go Unheard

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Noise complaints in a popular Charlotte neighborhood appear to be falling on deaf ears. People say ever since a bar opened up, getting a quiet night’s sleep has been nearly impossible.

Eden’s speakers were silent Monday. The bar was closed and neighbors say they enjoyed the peace, even though they don’t think it will last.

You don’t have to be inside the bar to hear what song Eden of Plaza is playing. Moving farther down the street into the nearby neighborhood may dampen the lyrics, but one resident, who did not want to be identified, says you can still feel the music.

That resident says the music is at its worst on weekends. The bar opens at 5 P.M. most days and music often plays until two in the morning. That resident says she’ll do anything if it means sleeping in silence.

“Tried like wearing headphones. But, I mean, I’m in my own house, so I don’t want to have to do that,” the resident said.

Her neighbor, who also did not want to be identified, is struggling just as much with Eden’s music. he’s complained to CMPD, but so far nothing has changed.

“If you keep complaining,” the neighbor said, “maybe somebody will do something about it.”

Charlotte does have a noise ordinance. It allows music played at 60 decibels Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 9 P.M. and 2 A.M. The rule is the same on Friday and Saturday from 11 P.M. to 2 A.M. The first offense of this ordinance can land a $100 fine.

Video shared with WCCB from a resident measured Eden’s music on a Saturday after midnight. The noise that neighbor recorded from across the street hit a high of 92.1 decibels. That is 30 decibels over the limit for that time.

Another neighbor shared emails that show residents are working with the Plaza Midwood Merchant Association to solve the noise problem. Neighbors want to set up a meeting with Eden management.

That same email thread showed CMPD has encouraged residents to continue to report the noise when it is too loud. An officer said the area will also be monitored.

Attempts to reach Eden management for comment have not yet received a response.