Westside neighbors of new Masquerade sue, citing noise concerns

If a lawsuit to block the Masquerade’s new location gains traction, owners of the music venue could find themselves in a veritable Purgatory of legal delays.

Creative Loafing reports that WestTown subdivision developer Brock Built has asked a judge to stop permitting and construction at the Fairmont Road music facility, citing noise and other nuisance concerns. The 75-lot development is across the street in that tucked-away section of the Westside.

Shortly after its Wrecking Ball ATL festival, the Masquerade was slated to move in to the new venue, but is still awaiting permits from the City of Atlanta.

The attorney for Brock Built said the relocated Masquerade will have "immediate adverse impact on the price point and size of the homes contemplated [for the subdivision] and will interfere with the use and enjoyment of such property," reported Creative Loafing. The houses are priced at more than a half-million bucks.

A pinned post on the music venue’s Facebook page dated Aug. 19 states the following:

"Due to construction delays at our new location, all shows scheduled for this weekend and foreseeable future will take place at our 695 North Ave NE location. Once we have a new move date finalized, we will share that info with all of you!"

You can see all the heart-rending demolition photos of the current venue here.

Brian Daughdrill, an attorney representing the developer, told the AJC that his goal is to keep the venue from opening at all.

Four lots in the WestTown subdivision are already under contract, according to the suit, which was filed last week in Fulton County Superior Court. A fifth potential resident canceled the contract upon hearing The Masquerade was moving in, and two other potential buyers have reportedly stopped negotiations.

"They’re going to have Hell, Heaven and Purgatory 140 feet from residential uses," Daughdrill told the AJC. "It’s going to overwhelm that neighborhood."

It appears that nobody's been able to get in touch with an attorney or spokesperson for the Masquerade to hear their take on all this. The venue's reps have been reticent to comment the last couple of years on anything regarding the Masquerade's Old Fourth Ward exodus.

But we wanna know what you, the astute general public of Atlanta, think. So please voice your feelings below:

• Developer wants judge to block new Masquerade, says venue could be nuisance to subdivision [Creative Loafing]
• The Masquerade is being sued by its Westside neighbors [AJC]
• Photos: Beginning of the end for Atlanta’s beloved Masquerade [Curbed]