Bill Cassia, who lives in the adjacent Placer building, said he moved there two years ago and noted that the Sapphire Bar is one of three new venues where alcohol is sold.

While he said his comments weren’t directed at the Sapphire Bar, he was concerned by the outdoor activities that accompany it.

From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., vulgar language, screaming and yelling can be heard on the Walking Mall, Cassia said.

The outdoor noise was a concern for nearly all of the Placer’s residents, he added.

His wife, Mary Jo Pierson, said she disagreed with the staff report that the business would not affect noise and glare.

Light from buildings on the Walking Mall affect them in their residence, as does outdoor noise, she said.

She hears voices from the mall at night, she said, adding she can’t tell if a situation is escalating into something.

“The Placer and the Downtown Walking Mall is my neighborhood,” Pierson said.

Susan Mattson, another of those who lives at the Placer, said the purchase of her residence was made with the expectation that it would be a sanctuary.