Resident claims problem still exists with noise from Diamond Lounge

In the Diamond Lounge parking lot Thursday evening, an intoxicated man was found crawling on his hands and knees, trying to get up.

Behind the nightclub is a fenced area separating the lounge from a neighboring residence. The gate is broken with empty beer bottles and cans littering the property.

Nearby residents have complained about noise coming from the popular nightclub since it was converted from an Italian restaurant nearly three years ago.

Once again, Melanie Castrilli approached the Bonney Lake City Council in seeking an answer to the noise problem she says the Diamond Lounge causes.

She said it was her fifth time addressing the council on the issue.

At the April 14 council meeting, Castrilli – who owns a home in the 18600 block of 88th Street East – said noise from the Diamond Lounge, in the 18700 block of Old Sumner Buckley Highway, still impacts neighbors who live behind the club.

Castrilli addressed the council last April about the same problem.

She said her house and property borders the lounge’s southern property line and during the time she and her family have lived there, noise from the nightclub has been a constant problem.

“Even though the city has tried to help with the noise reduction, we were never able to live a solid week in our own home without being kept awake on work nights because of the loud music,” Castrilli said.

She said her son and daughter-in-law had to move out because it affected their health. Several months ago, she moved from her home to another residence within the city. Castrilli said she rented her home behind the Diamond Lounge to a young couple with two small children.

“I also had to leave my own home and stay with friends because of the music keeping me up work nights,” she said. “I was under so much stress, I had to purchase another house in Bonney Lake and rent out my house.”

Castrilli said her renters are experiencing the same problems her family faced – not getting to sleep until the early morning hours during the week because of noise coming from the lounge. Both parents work full-time jobs and both children attend school, she said.

“During the few weeks that have lived there, they have complained about the music,” Castrelli told the council.

She said she received an e-mail from the family that their children found empty beer bottles in their backyard behind the lounge.

Outside, on the west side wall of the lounge, two speakers were installed over an uncovered beer garden.

Castrilli said if the outside speakers were gone, it would reduce the noise coming from the club. She said she has researched and found that sound-proof glass is available.

A resident behind the lounge agreed with Castrilli.

“Last Tuesday, it was 1:45 a.m. before we were able to fall asleep because of the noise from the lounge,” said the resident, who wants to remain anonymous. “If they would do away with the outside speaker, it would help tremendously.”

She invited council members to spend one night in her home to experience the noise problem from the lounge.

“The nightmare is continuing and I am begging the city for help,” Castrelli said. “I’m desperate for some help.”

The state standard calls for a nighttime reading of 45 decibels or lower. Citiations have been issued and most were dismissed in Municipal Court because of problems with the noise ordinance.

Under city code, it unlawful for a person to disturb public peace with sounds from audio sound systems, band sessions, musical instruments or social gatherings. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor.

Steve Crossley, owner of the Diamond Lounge, could not be reached for comment.

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.