It is time for the City of Niles to decide if Saturday night concerts at Massimo’s Backside Bar are too loud.

The issue first came up in April when a citizen living about three quarters of a mile away from the bar said the live music was disturbing her peace.

The same woman returned to the council Monday — two months later — with the same complaint. This time, she gave the council a petition signed by 39 people who share her point of view.

The owners of Massimo’s Backside Bar have their own petition signed by more than 400 people who are in support of the Saturday night concerts, which run from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Is the music too loud?

Does Massimo’s have the right to continue with its popular concerts?

Is there a way to keep the music without disturbing the peace?

Is peace actually being disturbed?

While there may be some middle ground to be found, we believe the economic impact of the concerts far outweigh the noise pollution perceived by some.

Massimo’s has already taken steps to address the issue, including stopping the concerts at midnight when they could go until 2 a.m.

So far, the city has not taken a stance on either side, although they have taken some steps to mediate the issue. Until a decision is made, this problem will continue.

Citizens will still be upset about the music.

Bar owners will still have to worry about what will happen to their business.

It is not fair to either side.

One way or another, we would like for this to be resolved.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Craig Haupert, Ambrosia Neldon, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.