Friends, under my leadership, our city is committed to collaborative solutions that create an environment of human flourishing, economic prosperity, and cultural vibrancy. It is in this spirit that we have worked with the Ford Amphitheater, owned by VENU, to identify and agree on solutions that achieve these values. All of this work has been informed by your feedback.
Today, I’m pleased to share with you that the City has signed a sound mitigation and monitoring agreement with VENU that enhances sound mitigation and monitoring and provides clearer oversight and reporting requirements. Under the conditions of this agreement, we have approved a limited noise hardship permit for the 2025 season that encompasses only the Polaris Pointe development.
Five sound monitoring stations will record concert noise data, including three new additional monitoring stations provided by VENU and approved by the City with the consultation of sound professionals. These stations will be located inside or adjacent to nearby neighborhoods where residents commented on noise levels. If baseline ambient noise measurements exceed City Code levels of 50 dB(A) at these locations, the amphitheater must stay below the measured ambient noise. Noise of more than 6 dB(A) over the limit will result in a $500 penalty for each instance and an action plan for reducing noise levels at that location moving forward.
To meet this commitment, VENU is constructing additional sound wall barriers on the north and south sides of the amphitheater, among other new mitigation measures. Per the agreement, construction must be completed this year.
We are grateful for VENU's commitment to working with neighbors of the Ford Amphitheater. To residents who have had their quality of life impacted and wanted change to the noise hardship permit and additional mitigation, we hear you. To residents who enjoy the benefits of this new venue, we hear you.
I am committed to serving all residents of Colorado Springs, and my team is dedicated to working to find innovative, data-driven solutions to help us live out our vision of being a safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming and vibrant world-class American city on a hill that shines brightly.
We are Colorado Springs.
Onward and upward,
Blessing “Yemi” Mobolade
Mayor of Colorado Spring