Council tries to achieve a balance

To many people music, soft or loud, is entertainment. To some, however, music is nothing but unwanted noise when you can hear it pound through your home from the outdoors. For much of last night, Oconee County Council deliberations were aimed at a compromise of people’s rights. The council gave second reading to amending the council’s noise regulations, but referred the matter to its planning commission for a recommendation. Sheriff Mike Crenshaw recommended the county establish a clear definition of an open-air concert. The council turned to Crenshaw after batting the issue around with Tom Martin, the county attorney. From the audience, Gary Littlefield pleaded for help in toning down the music he and his neighbors hear late into the night from a club on Lake Keowee.