The dispute between Revolution Spin and Moser Sewing Studio ended abruptly last month with the sewing business leaving its space at 906 Sherman Ave. and Revolution Spin expanding into it.
The two businesses have had an increasingly contentious relationship since Revolution Spin, 904 Sherman Ave., opened in October 2011. Shortly after the opening, sewing studio owner Martha Moser, began to complain of loud noise from the music and machines inside Revolution Spin’s next-door studio.
Other neighboring occupants soon complained, as well.
Kelly Ricks, a former Northwestern student, lived in the apartment directly above Revolution Spin. She said the noise from the exercise studio made her apartment “unlivable.”
Peggy Tarr, a citizen who has been active in working to silence Revolution Spin, said she was also adversely affected by the noise. Tarr, who lives in an apartment building across the street, said the noise disrupted her work and increased her blood pressure.
Tarr and Moser said that they initially approached Revolution Spin owner Jason Bressler with requests to install soundproofing materials in his studio. Moser said that Revolution Spin had been “completely contemptuous” in its interactions with her, but Bressler contends that their conversations have always been professional.
“I’ve responded to every one of Martha’s concerns when she’s contacted me directly, or Kass Management directly,” Bressler told The Daily in October. “We moved our speaker systems several times, and we’ve constantly turned down our music to the point where we can’t turn it down any further.”
Despite Bressler’s professions of compliance and with the support of their neighbors, Tarr and Moser brought their complaints to the attention of the Evanston Police Department, Ald. Donald Wilson (4th) and the City Council. Neighbors also accused Revolution Spin of violating Evanston’s noise ordinances by holding classes at 6 a.m. Although their complaints were heard, Moser said, no changes were made.
Now, Moser has alleged that, in an attempt to stop complaints and expand Revolution Spin, Bressler pressured Kass Management Services, Inc., the company that manages the buildings at 904 and 906 Sherman Ave., not to renew Moser’s lease, which ended in November.
Sam Chavez of Kass Management acknowledged that he does manage both properties but declined to comment. Moser added that Kass Management filed a lawsuit against Moser in an attempt to evict her before the end of November.
Bressler firmly denied these claims Wednesday.
“Ms. Moser didn’t pay her rent,” he said. “Her lease was terminated and I took over the space and expanded into it.”
Bressler added that since expanding, he has soundproofed the ceilings of Revolution Spin. The city conducted a sound test and found the noise emitted to be no louder than street noise, he said. The expansion added a personal training studio to Revolution Spin’s space.
Although Moser’s business has left the Evanston community, Tarr said she will continue to fight.
She said she is considering filing a lawsuit against Revolution Spin and calls EPD weekly to report the noise. Tarr also accused the parties involved of ageism, alleging that she and Moser were ignored because they are senior citizens.
“They wouldn’t have this noise in neighborhoods where any of those alderpeople live,” she said. “Because I’m a senior, and because Martha’s a senior, they figure, ‘To hell with us,’” she said.
Wilson acknowledged that the issue has not been resolved yet, but added he hopes to assign a city official to mediate the dispute.
“Even if it’s not violating the ordinance, if it’s bothering people, I would like to find a resolution so everyone can live comfortably,” Wilson said.
