San Antonio – The City of San Antonio is launching a new program to help music venues, bars and restaurants make renovations that could lower the noise threshold for their residential neighbors.
For a couple of years, the city has been exploring ways to find common ground on noise for bars and restaurants with outdoor music that neighbor homes.
During the recent budget, the City of San Antonio approved a $150,000 grant by the Economic Development office to help small businesses with a lack of access to capital make renovations that could lower the noise decibel levels for those living around them.
Ana Bradshaw, assistant director of economic development, said about 20 businesses would be granted up to $7,500 each, depending on their application.
“If they can purchase the acoustical paneling or curtains or better speakers that help them be that neighbor, we want to help them bridge the gap to be able to afford it,” Bradshaw said.
The businesses would have some prerequisites and are encouraged to hire a music expert, but it’s not required.
Applications will open from March 27 to April 14.
Reviews of applications and fund distributions will happen from April 17 to May 31. Staff will assess the program from July to August and report to city leaders in August.