Some Center Township residents have approached township supervisors about live shows the Starlight Drive-In started hosting last year. The supervisors are considering a live entertainment ordinance to address concerns about noise.

The Starlight Drive-In started hosting concerts and live performances in 2020 when there were fewer movies coming out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some residents of the township have approached township supervisors with issues over the louder sound and its longer duration since these live shows began.

The supervisors said during a meeting Wednesday that they met with owners of the drive-in, and have been working on a live entertainment ordinance in recent months.

Beth Manson, one of the owners of the Starlight Drive-In, said the staff has implemented noise reduction methods into the theater since receiving feedback from local residents. “The speakers were lowered and sound is monitored throughout every concert,” she said. “There have been many things by the Starlight done in order to work with the community.”

Residents at Wednesday's meeting of the Center Township supervisors said they have not had an issue with noise at the Starlight until it began hosting live performances.

Mary Angert said she lives about a mile away from the drive-in, and wants the township to put an ordinance in place that would mitigate some of its noise.

“Maybe they could put limits on the decibel level or time limits on how long shows can last,” she said.

Manson said the theater has also hosted comedians who have used profanity that residents expressed concerns about. She said the theater has not had those performers back because she does not approve of their wording either.

Manson also said that while an ordinance may eventually take effect in the township, everyone would be affected by its rules, not just the Starlight.

“The ordinance put in is not a Starlight ordinance,” Manson said. “It is a township ordinance that will affect residents and business.”

The Starlight has several live performances scheduled through July.

The supervisors tabled a motion to advertise the live entertainment ordinance at its May meeting, so it will be on next month's agenda.

Manson said she is willing to work with the supervisors and residents of the community.

“I have no doubt that we'll get to a reasonable solution,” she said.