Photo by jim_malone

The Washington Post reports a groundbreaking revelation today: some residents of the U Street corridor are growing weary of the late night noise. According to the 2007 D.C. Economic Partnership report, the area houses more than 26,000 renters and owners, and the WaPo asks if a better live/play balance can be found in the neighborhood.

While the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration does patrol the area for noise violations, the WaPo also spoke to Councilmember Jim Graham, who states:

“The noise laws are not well enforced,” said D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who wants better enforcement. “We try to work with those that are the source of the sounds, but it’s been very frustrating.” Graham’s office has received noise complaints about the neighborhood for years. “It’s a challenging terrain,” he said of the council’s efforts to balance residential and entertainment interests. “We have to deal with it and come up with some new answers.”

Some of the residents featured in the article have purchased new condos at Langston Lofts, Union Row, and other complexes as far back as 2003, and claim that the area’s noise pollution has worsened, and worry the worst is yet to come, with new restaurants and bars opening monthly. Others living in the same complexes have the attitude that noise comes with the neighborhood, and try to work with restaurant and bar owners in person when they have a particular problem.

As someone who formerly lived on U Street across from the Pure nightclub, this writer can empathize with both sides. Noise violations occurred well past 2 a.m. on weekdays, and despite frequent police presence at the club, the constant loud music and rowdy patrons outside of that establishment never lessened. As a renter, I was able to move a few blocks away from the noise without much hassle. But with the constant changes in the U Street corridor, buying a condo seems more than a tad risky; who knows what will pop up next door.

Do we just chalk this up to the age old Adams Morgan argument: if you choose to live there, stop bitching! Or, is it possible to find a middle ground? After all, how many Adams Morgans can one city tolerate? Leave your thoughts in the comments.