Opium Garden to Face Special Master for Noise Violations as Some Neighbors Note Improvements
The hearing comes after a protracted battle between the nightclub and residents from the surrounding neighborhood.
By Jason Jeffers
Staff Writer
Next week, the operators of Opium Garden nightclub will answer to 11 noise violations during a special master hearing at Miami Beach City Hall.
The club could be faced with fines totaling as much as $165,000 stemming from the violations which were recorded between July and December of 2002. The meeting will
take place on January 30 at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers on the third floor.
“The city attorney still has not finalized exactly what we will be seeking, but in the worst case scenario the special master can impose a $15,000 fine for each
incident,” said Nanette Rodriguez, media relations officer for the City of Miami Beach. “What the final fine is will be up to the special master.”
According to a letter to the Miami Beach City Commission from the city manager, a request for a license suspension will also be considered.
The hearing comes after a protracted battle between the nightclub and residents from the surrounding neighborhood. Two weeks ago, a number of those residents attended
a city commission meeting at City Hall to complain about the noise being generated by the club.
At the close of the meeting, the commission threw their support behind the manager, directing him to take the necessary action to ensure that the city’s noise laws are
enforced. Management from the club also explained that they would be taking action to reduce the amount of noise escaping from the dance floor through the roofless pavilion by installing
additional soundproofing equipment.
Since then, residents in the area have noticed a considerable difference.
“It has actually been quiet,” said neighbor Jennifer Lee. “I don’t know if it’s because there haven’t been as many people there or if they’re just turning the volume
down, but it has definitely been quieter.”
Management from Opium explained that the reduction of noise is due to the installation of state-of-the-art soundproof curtains that prevents noise from escaping the
club.
However, many residents are still hoping for a more lasting solution.
“The only permanent solution is to build a noise-proof roof,” said resident and activist Morris Sunshine. “We want an immediate cessation of noise, and we’re not going
to be satisfied with any kind of experimental remedies.”
The city and the club previously entered into an agreement last May that required the club to build a roof atop the open-air establishment by September 1st,
2002. However, the roof has not yet been built.
“They have been making an effort,” said activist Frank DelVecchio. “Nobody wants to close a business. We just don’t want them to keep their neighbors awake.”
Once known as Amnesia, the roofless club at 136 Collins Avenue has been under fire from neighbors since it opened in the early 1990s.
