The operator of an outdoor event in Shadyside has agreed to have a sound engineer test the band music's decibel levels coming from the venue.

Bill Brittian, whose Weather Permitting program at the Shadyside Nursery on Maryland Avenue has led to complaints from neighbors, said he would look for other places on the property to position the band so that the music is directed toward Ellsworth Avenue instead of Pierce Street.

Brittian and his business partner, Pete Spynda, said they would continue to build sound walls to suppress noise and consider starting the summer Sunday evening events earlier than 5 p.m. so that they finish before 8:30 or 8:45 p.m.

Brittian accepted those suggestions at the Shadyside Action Coalition meeting on Thursday. Resident Joseph Seabrooke complained that the sound levels from Weather Permitting were in the 90-decibels range — higher than the city's permitted range in the 40s.

“I not only live on Pierce Street, but own about 90 percent of the homes there, housing about 45 families, who also complain to me about the noise,” Seabrooke said.

Brittian faces a hearing on Dec. 19 before the Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment. He will seek a special exception to the zoning code to permit continuation of his 12-week summer program next year.

Sam Spatter is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7843 or sspatter@tribweb.com.

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