Fountain Blue Conference Center Granted Extension of Banquet Tent Permit

DES PLAINES, Ill. - May 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Acknowledging the dramatic steps taken by management to address noise control issues, the Fountain Blue Banquet Hall and Conference Center received approval of its conditional use permit covering the Lions Gate Pavilion, a 6,000 square foot outdoor tent that serves as a centerpiece for summer events at the Des Plaines entertainment facility. Responding to concerns raised by neighbors, Fountain Blue management presented the Des Plaines City Council with a noise abatement plan designed to mitigate sound by up to seven decibels.

In a public session on May 20, Fountain Blue and its sound consultants informed the aldermen that the company has invested approximately $50,000 in sound mitigation technology for the tent, which has been in use since 2011. In the coming months, Fountain Blue will take additional steps, including building two 12 feet tall sound absorption walls on the north and west sides of the tent and installing sound meters with warning lights. The Council heard testimony from two sound experts that the sound absorption wall would reduce outgoing noise by six to seven decibels, a substantial reduction. The additional improvements are expected to cost approximately $100,000.

Fountain Blue will complete installation of these additional measures in 120 days or less.  Additionally, Fountain Blue restricts event music to DJs and does not allow live bands. These measures satisfied both the Des Plaines Zoning Board and City Council, which granted the conditional use permit and also extended the required music cutoff time from 10:00pm to midnight.

“We are happy that the City’s leadership recognizes the extraordinary efforts the Fountain Blue is making to solve this issue,” commented Georgia Diamond, manager of the family-run 38-year-old business. “This decision will allow us to continue to offer memorable events to our customers in our beautiful outdoor setting, while addressing the concerns of our neighbors. The dispute has been hard on our business this year, but now that it is resolved we can look forward to a wonderful summer season in the Lions Gate Pavilion. “

About the Fountain Blue

Located at 2300 Mannheim Road in Des Plaines, the Fountain Blue Banquet Hall and Conference Center offers a wide range of packages for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The Fountain Blue has three separate banquet rooms; each is exquisitely decorated and can be configured to accommodate any sized group, from 20 to 800 guests. The 6000 square foot Lions Gate Pavilion provides the largest groups with a spectacular outdoor setting. Our professional event planners have the expertise to make sure that every event runs flawlessly. For detailed information, visit www.fountainblue.com or call (847) 298-3636.