VIDEO: Music Along Lee Road is 'Calming, Peaceful'

Car mufflers, buses roaring by and honking horns are familiar sounds in busy business districts like Cedar Lee.

But if you’ve walked along Lee Road between Kensington and Meadowbrook in the past couple of weeks, you probably heard something different.

Classical and opera music blasts from speakers affixed to walls of the building that houses , Mama Joyce’s Soul food Café, the Cuttn Zone and other businesses.

Alan Kraus, the building manager, also had security cameras installed, but he said the two initiatives are not related.

“We thought that music would be a nice addition to that block,” said Kraus, a Cleveland Heights resident. “Our main goal is to provide a nice environment for shoppers and for our tenants and to encourage foot traffic in the area … If it discourages (crime, loitering,) that’s not a bad thing, either.”

Cities and businesses around the country have used music to deter loitering and crime. A just down the road uses the tactic, but Kraus said that wasn't the point.

Kraus had security cameras installed in the front, side and back of the building that’s separate along Lee Road between the and Cedar Road.

“We went ahead and (installed cameras) because we want both the patrons and the tenants of the area to feel secure to let them know we care.

“We’re very excited about Cedar Lee … I’m very excited about all the new stores and restaurants. The area is on the verge of really exploding.”

Chris Armington, owner of The Tavern Company, said the cameras and the music, though it’s not as loud near his establishment, is a nice feature.

Chris Patterson, manager at the Cuttn Zone, also said he is glad the district has tunes and surveillance.

“We appreciate it,” he said.

Cleveland Heights Patch interviewed people along the strip Tuesday afternoon to get their feedback. Most described the music as “calming" and "peaceful.” Click play above to watch the video. Do you like the music? Take our poll and tell us in the comments.