Reactions to The Rail | Rant Control | Salt Lake City Weekly
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Reactions to The Rail

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Why did Salt Lake City at the end of the 1990s approve residential housing—ironically named “Bliss Court”—adjacent to warehouse property that now houses The Rail Event Center? The blissful name is ironic because according to the Feb. 25 cover story [see “Bad Vibrations”], the neighbors are going bat-stuff crazy over the booming base from club nights and concerts at the new venue.

“The writer [Stephen Dark] didn’t mention that partygoers often complain that The Rail is too quiet,” wrote online commenter Niko.

At least one of those partygoers has no sympathy for the homeowners. “Shit happens. Get over it,” wrote online commenter Cody. “I <3 [heart] the Rail, I visit here weekly and love SLC’s new venue.”

Some nearby houses, though, are turn-of-the-century vintage. So, at some point, the city permitted club music in industrial zones, even near homes. Oops.

“[A friend] has lived there for 28 years in peace,” wrote online commenter Jennifer. “Plain and simple—it is a bad location for a club!”

Rant Control is torn. The warehouse and its zoning, which allows club music, predates Bliss Court, so caveat emptor, folks. Nevertheless, others have lived in the area longer and amplified music is a conditional use of that property. I thought one of the conditions was that the neighbors get to keep their eardrums.