Music Will Go On at South Stage Cellars

The Music Will Go On at South Stage Cellars

At a September 14 Public Hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously approved a new Conditional Use Permit for South Stage Cellars, enabling the popular wine tasting room to hold live outdoor music events in its Wine Garden at 125 S. 3^rd Street. Prior to the hearing, SSC was only approved for outdoor amplified music via speakers. The new ruling allows live music performances, described by SSC marketing director Porscha Schiller as “soft music to accompany and not compete with conversation.”  During commission discussion, reports that multiple noise complaints had been logged against SSC proved false. In fact, only a single, anonymous complaint triggered the review by Planning Department staff. That complaint, filtered from a neighbor to a police officer, ultimately made its way to Amy Stevenson, Planning Director. At the conclusion of the hearing, the PC unanimously approved the majority of Stevenson’s call to monitor and mitigate music sound levels, if needed. The Planning Commission was also united it its opinion that live, outdoor music enhances Jacksonville’s cultural and business climate and should be supported. Furthermore, the PC requested that future noise nuisance complaints be handled at a staff level before be handled by the commission during performance reviews and public hearings.