TELL US: Are You Affected by Noise from Local Businesses?

A bench outside In a Pig's Eye was the center of conversation at Thursday night's City Council meeting.

Ward 2 Council Michael Sosnowski told the city council residents nearby have complained of noise and people congregating.

During their discussion, councilors discussed the possibly of a bench that can be taken in at night and whether or not it's the bench that causes issues or the actual people.

The issue of permitting the bench was also brought up. Councilors said a permit could be issued but it would "open a can of worms" when it comes to any benches on the sidewalk in Salem. Several councilors also said benches are a "nice thing to have" in the city for both citizens and residents.

In the end, councilors voted to allow the bench to stay (they did not officially permit it) asking that the proprietors do their best to ensure customers are being respectful of neighbors.

We want to know — what do you think of the bench issue? Have you been disturbed by noise in areas of the city where there is a mix of residences and businesses? How do you handle these situation?

Let us know in the comments.