Elizabeth McManis, the city’s planning consultant, introduced the draft plan amendment for the sound recording studio, which also foresaw retail use on the ground floor. To address potential noise concerns, the plan prescribed a sound transmission class rating requirement for partition walls around recording studios. The discussion by the board members touched on various aspects of the amendment such as construction certification, hours of operation, and the broader viability of extending this use throughout the district.

The debate revealed a split in opinion among the board members. Some supported the idea of district-wide standards for recording studios, emphasizing the benefits of predictability for applicants and alignment with the master plan goals of promoting art, culture, and diverse economic activities. Others cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach due to the unique characteristics of each property and its surroundings, which could potentially impact residential areas. Concerns centered on the need for thorough individual consideration of each application to mitigate sound and avoid disrupting the existing neighborhood fabric.

Further discussions centered on the compatibility of the proposed standards with the master plan. Board members weighed in on goals related to the arts and economic diversity, aligning the proposed standards with these objectives. The discourse also touched on additional standards like prohibiting live performances within the studios and the necessary sound mitigation measures.

Ultimately, the recommendation for consistency with the master plan was deliberated, with additional considerations for the proposed standards suggested. The decision on whether to apply these standards uniformly across the district or on an individual basis remained a point of contention, with one member abstaining from the vote on this matter.