PUBLICATION: The Capital (Annapolis, MD)
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: Inside; Pg. A4
BYLINE: Sara Marsh
DATELINE: Annapolis, Maryland
The Capital of Annapolis, Maryland, reports that three bills that supporters say would have forced BWI Airport to be a better neighbor were voted down this week by two General Assembly committees.
According to the article, the House Commerce and Government Matters Committee overwhelmingly voted down three bills sponsored by Dels. Michael W. Burns, R-Glen Burnie, and James E. Rzepkowski, R-Glen Burnie. One bill before the committee would have required the Maryland Aviation Administration to report to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health instances of in-flight fuel releases by any plane arriving or departing from BWI. Concern about in-flight fuel releases arose after a January incident in which a Glen Burnie mother and her son walked into a mist of falling jet fuel that had been dumped by a World Airways plane en route to Germany. Usually that fuel dissipates at high altitudes, but a valve on the plane became stuck open, allowing about 100 gallons of fuel to spray out.
The article states the second bill voted down would have authorized the MAA to select for participation in its noise abatement program homes in the Allwood II subdivision near the airport. This bill would have helped about 28 homeowners in the subdivision located near the end of the airport's main runway to enter the MAA's noise abatement program. Finally, the House Environmental Matters Committee killed a bill that would have required the MAA to report on the handling of airline de-icing chemicals at BWI. Required would have been an annual report prepared by each owner, operator or licensee of the handling, use and storage of de-icing chemicals used at BWI.
On the other hand, according to the article, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, R-Kent, praised BWI's collection system and reporting practices for fuel dumping. "BWI, I think, deals with fuel dumping better than the FAA deals with fuel dumping," Mr. Gilchrest said. He said he will likely call for a congressional hearing for stricter regulation on the FAA.
PUBLICATION: The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC)
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: Editorial/Opinion; Pg. A21
BYLINE: Marla Hicks
DATELINE: Raleigh, North Carolina
The News and Observer published the following editorial by Raleigh resident, Marla Hicks. In her letter, Ms. Hicks gives her opinion about those who move into areas near an airport and then complain about the noise.
I am tired of hearing people complain about this subject. The airport noise has been a long standing argument in this area. The airport has been here for years and years, then contractors come in and build subdivisions underneath the flight path, people move into these houses and then neighborhoods band together to complain about noise. Does this only sound absurd to me? If you don't like the noise then don't move underneath a flight path of an international airport!
Now we have an opportunity to bring in a business that will allow locals to make an income above minimum wage and we want to turn this away? We need to welcome new businesses into the area regardless of the unemployment rate. People need to research the neighborhood where they intend to move. The realtors and contractors have the responsibility of telling people they are moving into the flight path. I live under the flight path, I knew it when I moved there and like everyone else, I wanted the location. I refuse to protest against a reputable company that wants to bring jobs into the area. My husband, my children and I enjoy sitting on our back deck and watching airplanes coming and going.
PUBLICATION: The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC)
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: Business; Pg. D1
BYLINE: Irwin Speizer
DATELINE: Charlotte, North Carolina
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Sue Friday, resident; Patrick Cannon, City Council member;
The News and Observer reports that while residents who live near Raleigh-Durham International Airport have voiced their opposition to the noise that a new Federal Express hub would create, residents around Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, one of the four contenders for the project, have not sounded any opposition.
According to the News and Observer, the disparity between the two locations is money, and money talks. Raleigh-Durham airport borders some new, upscale neighborhoods in Cary and North Raleigh. Those residents were quick to mobilize to protect their neighborhoods against the noise the FedEx project would create as its jets take off and land throughout the night. By contrast, the neighborhoods near the Charlotte airport are poorer, more difficult to organize and less influential. And the promise of up to 1, 7000 jobs is attractive to the city.
The article reports Bill McCoy, director of the Urban Institute at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, works with Charlotte airport officials and neighborhood residents on airport noise concerns. He says the difference in reactions by airport-area residents in the two cities isn't surprising. "One of the reasons for the kinds of discussions going on at Raleigh-Durham is that that airport is in an area that tends to have more substantial residential housing," McCoy says. "You tend to get from those people a little bit more. First, they know more about what's going on. And second, they tend to be more outspoken about what they don't like." By contrast, Charlotte's airport is in an area of the city that includes warehouses, industrial sites and hundreds of residences, most of them small, modest houses and apartments. Many of the residents are elderly. "The demographics are relatively poor, relatively black communities," McCoy says.
According to the article, silence doesn't mean the residents around the Charlotte airport are unconcerned about noise. A group of residents who live near the Charlotte airport got together last spring and tried to block the city from constructing a fourth runway, arguing that the noise from extra flights would make their neighborhoods even worse. The residents lost their fight. "The people feel, of course, that they have been dumped on and thumped on," says City Council member Patrick Cannon, who represents the airport district and was the only one to vote against building the new runway. "This notion to bring Federal Express in does nothing but add insult to injury." Sue Friday, an airport-area resident who was a leader in the runway opposition, says, "The City Council is not making the west side residential areas a priority. Those of us who live near the airport had the wind knocked out of our sails." Charlotte residents concerned about the noise FedEx might bring haven't bothered to complain, she says, content to just hope that another city like Raleigh or Greensboro wins the project.
According to the article, Charlotte Aviation Director Jerry Orr says the city tries to ease the discomfort of jet noise for the people who live near the Charlotte airport. During the last eight years, the city has used federal airport funds to relocate 400 people who lived in the flight paths of planes and got the most noise. Another 1,000 homes have been outfitted with noise insulation. "What we are balancing is jobs and the economy on one hand and the environmental issues in the neighborhood on the other," Orr says. "We try to avoid extremes. One extreme is to build a huge airport without any regard for people. The other extreme is a very quiet neighborhood and no commerce. The airport is probably the major job producer for our region," McCrory says. "We see great potential for Charlotte to continue to expand the airport."
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post (Palm Beach, FL)
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: Business, Pg. 5B
BYLINE: Sanjay Bhatt
DATELINE: Riviera Beach, Florida
The Palm Beach Post reports that a concrete block factory in Riviera Beach, Florida, is being called "the most technologically advanced" in the United States. Among its innovations are its techniques to reduce noise for workers.
According to The Palm Beach Post, the Riviera Beach plant is the first Rinker facility with an enclosure to dampen the noise produced by a casting machine, which uses vibration to mold the cement mixture. Even though all workers are given ear plugs, CSR Rinker installed the enclosure to reduce noise for workers and the nearby Harmony Heights residential community. Instead of 100 decibels, the noise level of a chain saw, the work environment has been toned down to about 80 decibels - the level of noise in a subway. The company said it plans to install sound dampening enclosures in all its plants if the Riviera Beach enclosure is "as successful as anticipated."
The article reports that CSR Rinker, one of the country's largest suppliers of construction and building materials, is a subsidiary of CSR Ltd., an Australian holding company. After a $6 million project to replace 40-year-old equipment, the plant has two automated manufacturing lines that will triple production to more than 15 million blocks a year. To do this, the plant incorporated new technology. Supervisors can now monitor and adjust the manufacturing process from anywhere in the world, thanks to the computers designed by Besser Co. of Michigan. "It's like going from a Model T to a Porsche or Ferrari in terms of maintenance," said Jim Chamberlain, director of manufacturing for CSR Rinker's 19 concrete block plants in the state.
PUBLICATION: The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL)
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: South Tampa, Pg. 9
BYLINE: Cindy Rupert
DATELINE: Ybor City, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Joe Howden, president of Historic Ybor Civic Association; Sara Romeo, president-elect of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce
The Tampa Tribune reports that some Ybor City, Florida, business owners in the Latin Quarter say a proposed citywide noise ordinance would put them out of business.
The article reports that some residents who live on Fifth and Sixth avenues in Ybor City have complained about the existing noise. The new ordinance would define excessive noise as a "public nuisance" instead of a zoning code violation, which would give the city more leeway in enforcing the law, according to Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Hernandez. For example, the ordinance would allow the city to remove stereo speakers from private property and pursue civil prosecutions and penalties up to $500 for repeated violations. According to president Joe Howden, Historic Ybor Civic Association favors the ordinance. And Sara Romeo, soon to be president of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, also supports the noise rules. She has encouraged council members to make sure the city can enforce the ordinance "equally, not selectively" before members vote on it.
According to the article, the proposed noise ordinance would lower the allowable noise level in the city from 85 decibels to 70 decibels between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., and to 60 decibels after 3 a.m. Opponents of the ordinance in the Ybor City entertainment district say they won't be able to abide by those restrictions, citing studies showing that 70 decibels approximates normal conversation in a business office. Average street traffic amounts to 80 decibels. "We don't wish to disturb the residents of the area, but 70 decibels is very low," said Kathleen Bambery, manager of the Green Iguana Bar and Grill on E. Seventh Avenue. The bar's doors were designed to remain open-a plan approved by the council, she said, and would have been designed differently if owners had known they'd have to close the doors to comply with a noise ordinance. "You're really doing an overkill," said Joe Capitano, an Ybor City landlord and member of the Ybor City Development Corp. Frank Ferreri, owner of Frankie's Patio Bar and Grill on E. Seventh Avenue said the ordinance "would basically render the majority of my business unusable." Frankie's features concerts in an open-air patio past 11 p.m. when the ordinance would require no more than 70 decibels. "Just the chatter of talk in the street is going to be above that," he said.
PUBLICATION: The Buffalo News (Buffalo, NY)
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: Local, Pg. 10B
BYLINE: Margaret Hammersley
The Buffalo News of Buffalo, New York, reports that Erie County legislators voted 12-5 Thursday to ask the State Thruway Authority to relocate the Williamsville and Lackawanna toll barriers to protect nearby residents from noise and pollution.
According to the article, legislators representing less-populated areas vigorously objected to the relocation plan, saying that Williamsville and Lackawanna just want to push their dirt into other areas. The re-location measure was introduced by Legislator Barry Weinstein and was amended to include the Lackawanna toll barrier. Weinstein contended that vehicles idling for up to 30 minutes at the Williamsville barrier send dirty air into the adjacent village. Legislator Dale Larson, R-Lancaster, pointed out that only a few years ago the state spent millions of dollars to create earthen noise and pollution barriers demanded by Williamsville residents. "Laws were passed that trucks should not be allowed to idle more than 10 minutes," Larson said, adding that he did not want the barrier pushed into his district. Weinstein added, "My hope is that it will be moved out of Erie County into a less-populated area."
The article states the resolution, as amended, called for eliminating the Black Rock toll barrier and the barrier "on Interstate 190 near the Buffalo-Cheektowaga border," often called the Ogden Street barrier. In the end, three Republicans and nine Democrats voted for moving the major toll barriers away from Williamsville and Lackawanna. Legislators Judith Fisher, D-Buffalo, and Republicans John Greenan of West Seneca, Jeanne Chase of Evans, Larson and Marshall voted against the change.
PUBLICATION: The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC)
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: News; Pg. B3
BYLINE: Kyle York Spencer
DATELINE: Cary, North Carolina
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Jack Smith, town council member
The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC) reports divisions are loud and clear in the town of Cary over the possible location of a Federal Express hub at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
According The News and Observer, the rift between the Cary Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council is getting nasty. At issue is the proposed $300 million Federal Express hub at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Soon after the Chamber announced its support for the hub, town council member Jack Smith posted his opposing views on a Web site called "Citizens For Balanced Growth," designed for community discussion. Smith called the Chamber decision "unwise," "short-sighted" and "greedy." Furthermore, Smith said that he will lobby other council members to take away the Chamber's annual funding of 10 percent of the Chamber's budget.
The article reports that last week, the Cary council passed a resolution opposing FedEx, saying noise from night flights would threaten the high quality of life in this suburban boomtown. After Smith's Internet message, the Chamber released a letter emphasizing the Chamber's sensitivity to the noise issue. But it said that after long discussions with Ray Sparrow Ray Sparrow and John Brantley, both of the Airport Authority, Chamber members were confident that the noise problem could be resolved. The statement mentioned "hush kits," which can be applied to engines, as a solution.
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post (Palm Beach, FL)
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Rebecca Goldsmith
DATELINE: West Palm Beach, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Ned Barnes, director of the Palm Beach Civic Association; Harrison Robertson, resident
The Palm Beach Post reports Thursday's public hearing on West Palm Beach Airport's proposed runway extension used a format that prevented a group of people from expressing their views the old-fashioned way: in one large forum. Reviews were mixed.
According to the article, Bruce Pelly, director of the county's Department of Airports, gladly avoided the usual format. About a big room with lots of people shouting at officials, he said he's been there and done that. Instead, Thursday's four-hour presentation employed a video and a series of stations. About 100 people filed through the Airport Hilton's ballroom on Thursday. After signing in, they moved on to a viewing area and watched a 20-minute video describing the project, a 2,000-foot runway extension at Palm Beach International Airport. The next room was lined with cardboard panels pasted with maps and factoids. Questions were addressed by engineers and consultants. The final room was filled with tables and chairs with stacks of comment sheets and court reporters for those who preferred to dictate.
The article says some residents reacted negatively to the hearing format. "It's a dog and pony show," said Harrison Robertson, a Palm Beach retiree and opponent of airport expansion. "The average guy's going to come in here and be bewildered by all this." And Ned Barnes, director of the Palm Beach Civic Association, said, "There's just a sense that this is an exercise in futility." But while resident James Wilhelm said airplane noise bothers him, he said tolerate it. "That's why I was able to afford my house," he said. Noise "comes with the territory, as far as I'm concerned." Comments collected at the hearing will be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration for review. If the FAA decides the project has no significant impact, it can go forward. Pelly denied requests from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and one homeowners association for a 45-day extension to the comment period, which ends Monday. The public had 30 days to react to the technical document that is bigger than a telephone book.
PUBLICATION: St. Petersburg Times (St. Petersburg, FL)
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: Tampa & State; Around Town; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Jeffrey Gettleman
DATELINE: Tampa, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Joe Howden, head of Ybor's neighborhood association
The St. Petersburg Times reports Ybor City bar owners are opposed to the newest efforts to reduce noise in the historic Florida district.
According to the article, at a City Council meeting Thursday, city officials introduced an ordinance that would essentially prohibit outdoor speakers and force clubs and bars to turn down their music. Owners say 80 decibels, the maximum allowed under the proposal, is way too low. "This could ruin my business," said Frank Ferreri, owner of Frankie's Patio on Seventh Avenue, where bands play under a partially open roof. "We've put millions of dollars into Ybor, and the fact that it could be undone in one fell swoop is a little drastic."
The article states that the people who live behind Seventh Avenue, however, support the proposed ordinance, saying the loud music disrupts their sleep. And they say that noise regulation is a key step if Ybor is going to sustain planned hotels and luxury apartments. "This is not only desirable, it is necessary," said Joe Howden, head of Ybor's neighborhood association. City attorneys are working out the fine points of the noise rules, they say, and will return to the City Council next month with a polished proposal.
PUBLICATION: The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. A12;
DATELINE: Durham, North Carolina
The Herald-Sun of Durham, North Carolina, published an editorial pointing out the irony of opposition from elected officials in the towns of Morrisville and Cary to the proposed Federal Express hub at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
According to The Herald-Sun, the Federal Express facility in the airport could create 1,500 jobs with good wages and benefits for those workers who have been left out of the high-technology industries that have driven much of the Triangle's growth. But some residents of Cary, Morrisville and other areas of Wake County do not find that promise of jobs appealing. Because the town boards of both Morrisville and Cary have passed resolutions opposing the hub, this editor wonders if prosperity is good for them, but not for the rest of the residents.
The editorial goes on to say the arguments against Federal Express by officials in Cary and Morrisville are not rational ones. Their chief complaint against the project is that it will create more noise. This editor believes this charge doesn't justify prohibiting the facility. RDU officials have attempted to quell residents' fears about added noise from the FedEx facility which would add an additional 20 flights a night at RDU. Airport Director John Brantley earlier this month sent Federal Express a letter stating that airport officials wouldn't cut the company any slack on the airport's noise regulations. Airport Authority Chairman Ronald Gregory and authority member George Conklin said they would not have supported the hub if FedEx were proposing to exceed RDU's noise rules. And FedEx says the company's aircraft already meet federal noise standards.
The editorial reiterates that Federal Express would be a good business addition for the area. The chambers of commerce of Raleigh and Durham are supportive of the effort, as are officials at Research Triangle Park. Durham's City Council recently passed a unanimous resolution supporting the facility. A Federal Express hub at RDU would represent progress and opportunity -- the qualities that have made Cary and Morrisville desirable communities. The rest of the Triangle also deserves to benefit from prosperity.
PUBLICATION: The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, MO)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: Metropolitan; Pg. C4
BYLINE: Mark Morris
DATELINE: Kansas City, Missouri
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Clay Wyer, resident; Evert Asjes, councilman
The Kansas City Star reports neighborhood leaders and abortion opponents disagreed Wednesday about a proposal to give police more power to enforce the city' s noise ordinance. Abortion opponents promised to sue if the ordinance is revised.
According to the article, the ordinance, sponsored by Councilman Evert Asjes, would give police officers more authority to write tickets for violating the noise ordinance. Neighborhood representatives told members of the City Council's Finance and Administration Committee they are in favor of the proposal that would help make neighborhoods quieter. "When I'm in my home and I have to hear noise from radios and boom boxes, I feel my rights have been violated," Clay Wyer told the committee. The city would be required to send health inspectors to measure sound levels with a decibel meter to cite violations of the noise ordinance. Under the proposal, police officers could write tickets if the sound is "plainly audible" 50 feet from a loudspeaker or public address system.
The article states that abortion opponents, however, said they feared police would use the law to infringe on their rights to protest and use sound amplification equipment at Planned Parenthood's Midtown clinic. Kathryn Coons, a frequent picketer at the clinic questioned the committee's use of the word "offensive" to describe the type of noise that would be regulated. If the council approves the ordinance, it will most likely be tested in court, said Assistant City Attorney William Geary. "I don't have any doubt we'll be sued," Geary said. "I'm pretty certain of that." Regina Dinwiddie, an abortion opponent who has fought noise ordinances, said a challenge is certain. "The First Amendment was created to protect offensive speech," she said. "This is a civil rights issue. You will be sued, and we will win."
PUBLICATION: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: Aukesha Pg. 1
BYLINE: Lori Holly
DATELINE: Waukesha, Wisconsin
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Kerry Krueger, Waukesha County supervisor
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Airport Commission Wednesday announced it will hold periodic public hearings to allow Crites Field's neighbors to voice their concerns about airplane noise.
According to the article, County Supervisor Kerry Krueger has asked the Airport Commission to consider imposing restrictions on early morning operations. Krueger said he has received complaints from residents who have been awakened as early as 4:45 a.m. on Saturdays by jets flying over their homes. Krueger also requested that City Attorney Curt Meitz attend Wednesday's meeting to explain the city's noise ordinance. However, in a letter, Meitz said the city does not have the right to impose restrictions on noise at the airport because it is operated by Waukesha County.
The article states that Airport Manager Glenn Januska told the commission that the airport averages only 10 complaints a year from nearby residents. Most complaints, he said, are generally prompted by a single incident and do not indicate a pattern of excessive noise. "I've never been able to identify a specific trend that said if we did X,' we could eliminate these complaints," Januska said. "I don't think right now there is a noise problem, but I think we need to address what's happening so that it does not become a problem."
According to the article, air traffic at the airport has seen a steady increase over the past several years, including 27% jump from 1996 to 1997, Januska said. Much of that increase is attributable to an increase in corporate jets flying into and out of the airport. Januska said the airport has tried to implement procedures that will eliminate the need for restrictions but that will also satisfy neighbors. For example, Januska said the airport has implemented a voluntary preferential runway procedure that encourages pilots to use I-94 as a flight pattern to approach and depart the airport. Using a freeway pattern, Januska said, greatly reduces the amount of noise in the subdivisions. But traffic and weather can sometimes prevent this change in flight pattern.
PUBLICATION: Press Journal (Vero Beach, FL)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: A Section; Pg. A6
BYLINE: Colleen Deslaurier
DATELINE: Vero Beach, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Richard Donovan, resident; Ken Burgess, resident; Shirley Brasi, resident
The Press Journal of Vero Beach, Florida, reports that residents strongly object to a proposed softball complex in their neighborhood. They predict the complex will bring noise and traffic to their quiet neighborhood.
According to the Press Journal, a proposed plan to allow 9 acres of Indian River County land on Filbert Street to be used for women's softball fields has alienated nearby residents. Surrounding residents said they don't want the noise and traffic they believe would accompany the players to the fields. "It's going to completely ruin our neighborhood," said Joy Haven Drive resident Richard Donovan. Indian River County Commission voted to support Indian River Women's Sports Association in leasing the land to build a complex on the property. The complex will include four fenced-in ballfields, parking, restroom facilities and concession stands. Specifics of the lease still have to be approved by the Parks and Recreation Committee. The document then will be taken to the commission for a final decision.
The article reports that residents said the lights from the complex will disrupt their sleep and the increased noise and traffic from people going to the complex will disrupt their quiet neighborhood, made up of many retired residents. "It's peaceful. It's quiet. It's just a quiet nice place to live," said Donovan. Resident Ken Burgess said he doesn't think the complex is suitable for the neighborhood. "I moved here for the peace and quiet. Now they're going to change all that," he said. Shirley Brasi, who lives on Joy Haven, said she's concerned about the lights keeping her awake. "This will completely destroy our peace and quiet. We don't need the lights. We go to bed early. We're old people," she said.
According to the article, Tom Batchellor, one of the association leaders, said noise and traffic will be minimal. People will be on the fields only when they are playing a game, he said. "It won't be a place for people to hang out," he said. "(The complex) isn't going to be upsetting the community anywhere near what they think." A meeting with county officials, residents and members of the association has been scheduled for 7 p.m. March 31 at the North Indian River County Library to answer questions and concerns. "We are concerned about not upsetting the neighbors. We want to hear their concerns," Batchellor said.
PUBLICATION: Providence Journal-Bulletin (Providence, RI)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: News, Pg. 1C
BYLINE: John Hill
DATELINE: Lincoln, Rhode Island
The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the state has installed two gates on the road that circles Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods State Park in an effort to cut down on evening joyriders who speed around the pond with their car radios blasting.
According to the article, Larry Mouradjian of the Department of Environmental Management said the gates were put up after residents who live near the park complained about late night noise from drivers cruising the Les Pawson Loop. State Sen. Jonathan Oster, D-Lincoln, pressured the DEM for the gates after residents called him to complain about the noise. "They needed some consideration," Oster said. One of the gates shuts off Les Pawson Loop near houses in the Saylesville area, where residents have complained about noise from the park.
The article reports Mouradjian said park workers will open the gates at sunrise so cars can use Les Pawson Loop during regular park hours. Details about the opening and closing of the gates will be presented to the public Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in the park's maintenance building. The DEM is concerned about how the new gates will affect fishermen who go to the park early in the morning to put their boats into Olney Pond. The park's only boat ramp is off Les Pawson Loop. Mouradjian said the DEM hopes to work around the boat ramp problem by letting fishermen use the beach near the main parking lot as a boat launching site. Arrangements to open the Loop earlier could be made for fishing derbies or other special events. Mouradjian said he wants to see how the plan works in reality this summer before calling it a success.
PUBLICATION: The Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA)
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: Area/State, Pg. B-7
BYLINE: Wynne W. Wasson
DATELINE: Goochland County, Virginia
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Charles R. Bent, resident
The Richmond Times Dispatch reports that quarry operator Martin Marietta Aggregates promised to be a good neighbor in return for expanded hours of operation.
According to the article, the Goochland Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night approved the company's request to expand its hours of operation to include Saturday at the Anderson Creek Quarry in Rockville. The quarry will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The company agreed to seven conditions related to noise control, including the rubberizing of crushing equipment to absorb sound and building up an earthen berm by mid-2000. "It's the first time they've committed to these stipulations," said Goochland County Attorney Darvin Satterwhite. Failure to meet the conditions could result in a zoning violation that could shut down the operation.
The article reports that before the board's decision, company officials were bombarded with comments from openly hostile neighbors who live off state Route 622 at the rear of the mine. Residents said it's tough enough they must endure the noise in the morning before leaving for work. Several objected to the possibility of having to return home from work to endure the constant pounding and grinding created by stone being crushed and rolled onto conveyor belts and dropped into large trucks that rumble in and out all day long. Saturday hours drew the strongest objections from neighbors.
The article states that some residents recalled an earlier promise by Martin Marietta. "No one here has a problem with the mine operating," said Rockville resident Charles R. Bent. Bent and others said Martin Marietta was violating a trust by asking for changes in the 1989 conditions. Nine years ago the company swore it would never expand its Rockville operation. "If Martin Marietta really truly stood behind their words, we wouldn't be here tonight," Bent said. But Martin Marietta said the company can't compete for work because of restrictions imposed at the quarry. Company officials and area residents appeared satisfied with the board's decision, but Bent reserved judgment until the " Noise Abatement Plan" can be put in place. "It will be the end of the story if they have an absolutely effective noise control program," Bent said.
PUBLICATION: The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: Northwest Valley Community; Pg. 5
BYLINE: Jennifer Barrett
DATELINE: Glendale, Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports that Glendale officials will purchase a large tract of land south of Glendale Municipal Airport to prevent developers from building too close to the airport.
According to the article, worried that noise complaints from new homeowners could threaten the future of the airport, Glendale officials will spend $4.6 million in city and state funds to purchase the 236 acres that are zoned for residential housing. "It's just better we're there instead of someone else," Glendale Vice Mayor Tom Eggleston said. "The housing would have been a big threat and a constant source of agitation and contention."
The article reports the purchase also allows the airport to proceed with plans for expansion without worrying about encroaching on nearby neighbors. Bill Harvey, airport program manager in the aeronautics division said, "The buffer is becoming a more common use for funds to protect both the airport and the residential environment." Encroachment is becoming an increasingly common threat to airports, particularly in urban areas of the Valley, according to Gary Adams, aeronautics division director: "The airports are built away from the city center, but then the community grows out and you start having the noise problems."
The article goes on to state that if the proposed development had gone as planned, the airport's hopes of expansion would have been dashed. There are plans to add 28 hangars in the northwest corner of the airport, as well as additional tenants. Last year, the airport applied for a $2.7 million grant to extend the 5,350-foot runway 1,800 feet to accommodate more and larger aircraft. "When the runway is extended, it'd just about be in their (the proposed homes') back yards," McCue said. "The airport has been here 11 years - you don't all of a sudden build houses right at the end of the runway. People could've thrown a stone and hit an airplane." City officials have discussed using the purchased buffer land for parks and a golf course.
PUBLICATION: Asbury Park Press (Neptune, NJ)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: B, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Gina G. Scala
DATELINE: Stafford Township, New Jersey
The Asbury Park Press reports that New Jersey officials in Stafford Township are seeking a compromise in an ordinance that bans ice cream vendors from playing amplified music from their trucks.
According to the article, Stafford's ban came in response to noise complaints in neighborhoods all over the township, Business Administrator Paul J. Shives has said. Stafford Township adopted a noise ordinance based directly on the state Department of Environmental Protection measure. That regulation limits amplified music to 65 decibels. The DEP does not allow amendments to the regulation, but township officials would like their ordinance to include language that covers the ice cream vendor issue, Mayor Carl W. Block said. Block said the township would then be able to set limits on the loudness of the music. "We are left with doing nothing or banning (the music)," Block said. "Right now, that's our choice." Some vendors contend the ordinance, which restricts them to ringing hand-held bells to draw attention, will hurt their business.
The article states DEP representative Debbie Pinto and a professor from Rutgers University are expected to review the DEP measure and determine if a compromise can be reached. If a compromise can be reached, the council will review the information next month, Block said. Jeffery Cabaniss, owner of the township's only licensed soft-serve ice cream truck, said he was "encouraged" by the possible compromise. But Cabaniss, representing the newly formed Manahawkin United in Support of Ice Cream, said the group is looking to overturn the ban completely. "They need a reality check if they really think this is over ice cream," the group said in flier distributed at last night's council meeting. The group contends the ordinance endangers children by requiring ice cream truck drivers to keep one hand on the steering wheel and ringing the bell with the other hand. Also, they say the music will no longer act as a warning to drivers that children may be in the area.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Daily Herald (Chicago, IL)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: News; Pg. 10
BYLINE: Kevin Barrett
DATELINE: Lisle, Illinois
The Chicago Daily Herald reports that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is compiling noise-level readings along the North-South Tollway prompted by residents' complaints of tollway noise.
According to the article, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority expects to finish examining its own data from the North-South Tollway within a month. The study will help determine whether there is enough noise along I-355 to warrant construction of sound barriers. An engineering firm is studying noise levels along the tollway near the Oak View neighborhood, tollway Executive Director Ralph Wehner said. Wehner said earlier projections used to determine the need for sound barriers may have underestimated use on I-355. "We've said that if we've got the wrong data, we'll change it for you," he said. "The traffic on the road has grown faster than anticipated," he said.
The article states the likelihood of noise barriers in the Beau Bien neighborhood along the East-West Tollway is not so good. Wehner said he doesn't anticipate revisiting noise levels along I-88, which is handling expected levels of traffic. The issue could be raised again in five years when the toll authority considers adding a lane, he said. Toll officials have in the past objected to adding new barriers, citing costs and the need to follow federal guidelines. Those guidelines require a level of 67 decibels be reached before any action is taken. Late last year, the village conducted its own studies showing those levels were being reached in neighborhoods along both tollways. Village trustees and residents have begun coordinating citizen noise committees from both neighborhoods. Those efforts, said Trustee Judy Yuill, have been hampered by differences among the issues facing the two areas. Both obviously have noise as the main problem, she said, but, "They're really different issues." Oak View, for instance, was built long before the tollway came through, she said. Homes along the East-West Tollway came in after the road.
PUBLICATION: The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: News; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Matthew Eisley
DATELINE: Raleigh, North Carolina
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Jean Spooner, Chairwoman of The Umstead Coalition; Benson Churchman, environmentalist and city council member; Douglas Lintelman, airport noise -control committee member
The News and Observer reports that the city of Raleigh has yet to take an official stand in the debate about the noise impact of the proposed Federal Express hub at Raleigh-Durham International Airport while the other three towns who would be most affected have made their positions known.
According to The News and Observer, Cary's and Morrisville's town councils are on record against the proposed $ 300 million package-sorting hub at Raleigh-Durham International Airport while Durham's council is in favor of it. But the Raleigh City Council has neglected to take a position, even though Raleigh workers would likely get many of the hub's hundreds of jobs, and even though the city may have more residents who would be affected by the hub's airplane and truck noise than Cary and Morrisville combined.
The article reports that North Raleigh neighborhood leaders opposed to the hub have asked the council to fight it, but the council has not responded. At a council meeting Tuesday, Council members John Odom and Brad Thompson agreed with the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce about the hub's potential economic benefit for Raleigh, but Kieran Shanahan, Stephanie Fanjul, and Benson Churchman raised questions about the hub's noise. "I think it is one of those things where there are eight different opinions," Churchman said. "If I were forced to vote on a resolution at this point, based on what I know, I would vote against." Mayor Tom Fetzer said that no council members have shown any interest in the council's taking an official position.
According to the article, Raleigh faces a dilemma because it needs the jobs more than Cary does, but it would bear the noise burden much more than Durham. "I'm trying to put together the pieces still," Churchman said after the meeting. "There are so many unanswered questions. But the more I look at it, the more I see problems that start to tip the balance." For Churchman, an environmentalist, one problem is the hub's likely impact on Umstead State Park, next to the airport. The hub would go on the airport's east side and would be served by a new road bordering the park and linking Interstate 40 to U.S. 70. The Umstead Coalition, an umbrella organization of 16 environmental groups that work to protect the park, last week announced its opposition to the hub and the road. Jean Spooner, Chairwoman of the Coalition is concerned about the hub's truck traffic noise, construction runoff, increased airplane noise and lights from trucks and the new road.
The article reports hundreds of North Raleigh residents are worried about noise issues, especially airplane noise late at night, when the hub would be busiest transporting and sorting overnight packages. On Tuesday, the council unanimously appointed a hub foe, Douglas Lintelman, to the airport's noise -control committee. The city's lone appointment to the committee had been unfilled during the last four years. Churchman said he assumes that every council member knew that Lintelman opposes the hub, because just a few weeks ago he came to a council meeting to ask the council to oppose it. "We need someone who's going to ask the tough questions, because Raleigh has been the defender of Umstead State Park," Churchman said.
The article states FedEx has not said to what extent local government support or opposition will factor into its decision. RDU is among six airports in the Carolinas competing for the FedEx hub which FedEx would serve most of the East Coast and the Southeast. The others are Charlotte; the Piedmont Triad airport between Greensboro and Winston-Salem; the nascent Global TransPark near Kinston; Columbia, SC; and Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
PUBLICATION: The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: 3, Pg. B
BYLINE: Terry Joyce
DATELINE: Charleston, South Carolina
The Post and Courier reports moving a repair project at Charleston Air Force Base from one runway to the other means a reduction in noise for some residents while a return of noise for others.
According to the article, the Air Force began renovating its secondary runway in January. That runway was closed while crews did their work. On Monday, the shorter northeast, southwest runway reopened, and the main north-south runway closed. The move means quieter skies - temporarily - for people living off the ends of the main runway. People living off the ends of the cross-runway will likely notice a return to sometimes noisy traffic. Most people working at the base won't detect a change in operations because the airliners and military cargo jets that share the base can use either runway, Lehne said. The major exception is the Vermont Air National Guard unit that normally keeps two or three F-16 fighters on alert at the base. The F-16s left Sunday for Norfolk, Va., Lehne said. They will return when the main runway reopens, probably in early June. "The shift should mean a little less noise for everyone because the F-16s (fighters) will be gone until the work is finished," Air Force Lt. Colleen Lehne said. According to the Air Force, about 260 planes arrive and depart the base each day. All of those flights will use the shorter runway during the second phase of repairs.
PUBLICATION: The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: East; Pg. B3; Just Ask Johnston
BYLINE: Steve Johnston
DATELINE: Bellevue, Washington
The Seattle Times published the following letter in the "Just Ask Johnston" column:
Hey Johnston: Late at night, like 2 or 3 a.m., big jets are cruising over my house in Bellevue and waking up my dogs, which wake us up. This has been happening for the last two months or so. Can you find out if this is a new routing? Is there a number I can complain to?
Answer: Call 206-433-5393. That's the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hotline where you can register your complaint. The reason we started with the phone number is because that is one answer we can be sure about. Unfortunately, we can't say the same thing about what is causing the plane noise at 3 a.m. The folks at Sea-Tac said the flight patterns haven't changed in almost nine years. Making a guess, the Sea-Tac people say sometimes the cloud cover forces the jet noises downward. Blame it on El Ni centsno. Leave your questions on Steve Johnston's voice mail at 206-464-8475. Or write: Just Ask Johnston, c/o The Seattle Times, 10777 Main St., Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004. The e-mail address is east@seatimes.com
PUBLICATION: St. Petersburg Times (St. Petersburg, FL)
DATE: March 18, 1998
SECTION: Largo Times; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Sharon Tubbs
DATELINE: Largo, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: William Kunzman, resident
The St. Petersburg Times reports residents who live near the site of a proposed used-car superstore in Pinellas told Largo city commissioners Tuesday that the store would increase traffic and noise in what once was a quiet neighborhood.
According to The St. Petersburg Times, CarMax: The Auto Superstore, a subsidiary of Circuit City Stores, plans to build on 17.5 acres at the northeast corner of Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 19. The company has requested that Largo rezone 3.5 acres within that lot for water drainage. Another 6 acres on the site sits in the county, and CarMax wants the city to annex that parcel. City commissioners Tuesday night passed the annexation and rezoning requests unanimously. They will hold a public hearing on the proposals during the April 7 meeting before taking a final vote.
The article reports residents on Dodge Street, which borders the CarMax site, say they don't want another car dealerships built in their neighborhood, only to shut down after a few years. At least three massive vacant lots that used to be car dealerships already blight the area, which was filled with pastures 15 years ago, resident William Kunzman said. "You're going to be destroying the environment by allowing nothing but concrete and asphalt in that area," Kunzman told commissioners. "This dealership is going to affect our neighborhood and our street and our environment," Kunzman said.
The article says that residents contend that car dealerships in the area currently use Dodge Street for test drives, increasing traffic flow on the residential street. Furthermore, drivers use the street to get around traffic on U.S. 19, according to residents. The increased traffic has resulted in numerous accidents and poses a danger to neighborhood children, Kunzman said. "Our street's already being used as a drag way." Although Dodge Street is in unincorporated Pinellas, residents looked to the city for solutions. Community Development Director Ric Goss said the city is taking steps to help the residents. City administrators met with several Dodge Street residents earlier this year to discuss their concerns, Goss said, which resulted in the rezoning proposal. The land that abuts Dodge Street is currently zoned commercial or residential. Rezoning that land for water drainage would prohibit CarMax from developing closer to Dodge by limiting that portion to water drainage, Goss said. "I believe that by this proposal, you can see that we've attempted to meet their concerns, even though they are in the county," Goss said.
PUBLICATION: Asbury Park Press (Neptune, NJ)
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: B, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Jennifer Ansbach
DATELINE: Barnegat Township, New Jersey
The Asbury Park Press reports that the New Jersey Highway Authority is considering a noise barrier for the Garden State Parkway toll plaza at Barnegat.
According to the article, sound studies conducted last year showed slightly higher readings than ones taken last year, Mayor Dolores Coulter told the Township Committee last night. The Highway Authority has not decided yet whether a barrier is needed, but it definitely will make improvements to the pavement that should reduce noise, Coulter said. "They're not promising a barrier," Coulter said. "They did say they will be installing 'quiet pavement' in the toll vicinity."
The article states if a barrier is put in place, three options for the barrier are a concrete post and panel sound barrier, an earthen berm, and a combination earthen berm with a timber wall barrier mounted on top. The cost-effectiveness of each option will be weighed against each measure's effectiveness in reducing noise, she said. A decision is expected in April. "Even if the barrier is approved and the Highway Authority determines the need, the neighborhood affected would have to sign off on it at 100 percent," Coulter said. "We're still one to two years from it being erected." Barnegat Township can expect a slight noise reduction after the quiet pavement is installed, but the installation is not yet scheduled.
PUBLICATION: Gannett News Service (Washington, DC)
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: Pg. Arc
BYLINE: Erin Kelly
DATELINE: Washington, DC
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Dave Simon, southwest regional director for National Parks and Conservation Association
Gannett News Service reports vacationers may be shocked at discovering smog, traffic congestion, and noise from jet skis and sightseeing planes in national parks this summer.
The article says things could get worse if Congress approves legislation to build roads through the heart of national parks in Alaska, New Mexico and Utah, leaders of the National Parks and Conservation Association said Tuesday at the group's annual meeting. Leaders of the 500,000-member conservation group say they are lobbying Congress to restrict sightseeing flights over the Grand Canyon and pressuring the National Park Service to ban jet skis until they can come up with regulations restricting the noisy watercraft. The Association supports smog regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency that should reduce haze that obscures views at popular summer vacation spots such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. "We're in a battle for the soul of our national parks," said Dave Simon, southwest regional director for the 80-year-old association. "The issue is whether we're going to hand down to our children a place that not only looks like it used to -- but sounds like it used to," Simon said.
The article goes on to give a region-by-region look at problems the group says are most pressing. Among those threats Simon said, is a bill by Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., to build a six-lane commuter highway through Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, NM. The road would be built within a quarter mile of 1,000 prehistoric rock carvings.
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post (Palm Beach, FL)
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Rebecca Goldsmith
DATELINE: West Palm Beach, Florida
The Palm Beach Post reports that a call to Florida's Palm Beach International Airport's 24-hour noise hot line will provide residents specifics about the type of plane, airline, flight direction and weather conditions during takeoff if they think the noise culprit is an airplane flying outside set paths.
According to the article, if residents are woken in the middle of the night or otherwise disturbed by noise from the air, a phone call to the hot line may help explain the source of the noise. A call gets residents a report with a detailed, computer-generated map that shows the airport, the origin of the complaint, and the paths of planes in the area at the time of the incident. The report addresses why a flight would pass directly over a house that is not within the established path. Usually complaints come when noise patterns are different than normal, like during a storm. Sometimes callers complain about noise that doesn't come from the airport, such as a helicopter spreading insecticide. Other times the craft is off course for reasons such as strong winds or heavy air traffic.
The article says reports can be requested through the hot line at 683-PBIA, or through Noise Specialist Shannan Thomas at 471-7468.
PUBLICATION: Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME)
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: York County & State, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: David Connerty-Marin
DATELINE: Old Orchard Beach, Maine
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Elizabeth Bell, member of Good Neighbors Association
The Portland Press Herald reports a third meeting moderated by town officials failed to alleviate residents' noise and traffic concerns about a new outdoor amphitheater in Old Orchard Beach.
According to the article, the division remained at the end of the meeting between The Salvation Army who wants to bring more concerts and events to the outdoor venue, and neighbors who are opposed to anything more than the traditional 10-day camp meeting held each August. Town Manager Norman Marquis and Public Safety Director Dana Kelley moderated the third meeting between the Army and neighbors Monday night in an effort to resolve tensions. Neighbors say the trouble began when the Planning Board approved the addition of a covered roof and fixed seating for the outdoor natural amphitheater. Residents see this as extended use. "We really want to bring the neighborhood back together again," said Elizabeth Bell, who lives across the street from the amphitheater and has helped form the Good Neighbors Association. "(But) there's one issue we won't budge on: extended use."
The article says at this point, the only way to revoke the permit is to go to court. Neighbors say they will fight to prevent any concerts or other events. They've tolerated the annual camp meeting because the Salvation Army does good work and they can rest assured the traffic, noise and parking problems won't last long. Monday night's meeting was supposed to be about noise from the new amphitheater, but lead to other issues, including parking. The possibility of requiring resident parking permits to park in the neighborhood was discussed.
PUBLICATION: PR Newswire
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: Financial News
DATELINE: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
PR Newswire reports over 70% of U.S. office workers say their productivity would increase if their workspaces were less noisy (source: American Society of Interior Designers study). In addition, over 70% of today's office spaces are based on "open plan" environments, where the din of routine activities can negatively impact worker productivity. Given this, architects, facility managers and acoustical consultants need to ensure that the workspaces they design and build can provide the noise reduction levels required by the businesses they work for. And, for the first time, this is possible!
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has recognized Armstrong World Industries (NYSE: ACK) as the first manufacturer to offer certified noise reduction commercial ceiling tile with UL classified acoustical performance. This classification ensures that the published levels of Armstrong ceiling tiles' sound absorption represent the actual levels of sound absorption that will be achieved.
"Until now, the validity of published specifications regarding acoustical values of ceiling tile has not been monitored," says Gregg Maberry, Product Manager for Armstrong's Commercial Ceilings and Walls, Americas. "While other products in the marketplace may not measure up to their published specs, architects, specifiers and others can be assured through an independent source that they are getting what they're paying for and what they need when they work with Armstrong."
UL will monitor and classify Armstrong commercial ceiling tile for all critical measures of acoustical performance, including sound absorption and the ability to block sound between spaces. The program, initiated by Armstrong to support the certified noise reduction of its ceilings, provides in-plant inspection, audit testing and label service. All cartons of the company's commercial ceiling material will now carry the UL classification mark.
"In today's litigious society, architects and acoustical consultants are looking for products that perform as specified, especially in critical environments where acoustics play a major role in the finished space," adds Maberry.
The UL classification program will also significantly impact facility managers and architects who work with hospitals and schools where noise can be a major problem, creating distractions and stress.
" Noise reduction is a proven method of reducing stress, increasing workspace effectiveness and aiding the healing and learning processes," comments Dr. Ken Roy, Armstrong's Principal Acoustics Scientist. "High performance, noise -reducing ceilings are essential components of quieter, more productive workplaces and schools, and more patient-friendly hospitals."
Armstrong's ability to meet the performance consistency required by the new UL classification program is an outcome of the ceiling organization's pursuit and receipt of the 1995 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognized the development of a consistent manufacturing process and superior quality control capabilities.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization that has objectively evaluated products, materials and systems in the interest of public safety for over a century.
Armstrong World Industries is a global manufacturer and marketer of interior furnishings, including floor coverings and ceiling systems, with sales of $2.199 billion in 1997. SOURCE Armstrong World Industries CONTACT: Christina Paterniti of Anne Klein & Associates, 609-988-6560, for Armstrong, or Mac MacDougall of Armstrong, 717-396-6414 LN-SUBJ: CONSTRUCTION (71%);
PUBLICATION: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: St. Charles Post, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Ralph Dummit
DATELINE: St. Charles, Missouri
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Bob Schnur, council chairman; Carl Bearden, councilman
The Louis Post-Dispatch reports efforts by St. Charles to convince St. Louis to reduce aircraft noise from Lambert Field Airport has reached an important point.
According to the Louis Post-Dispatch, negotiations have reached a "critical crossroads," says County Council Chairman Bob Schnur, R-3rd District. Schnur noted that St. Louis officials "pretty well understand that if we do not see concrete efforts to reduce aircraft noise we will be joining in litigation" to oppose construction of a new runway at Lambert Field. The runway would bring departing airplanes two miles closer to the city of St. Charles. But Schnur is encouraged because the St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment acknowledged in writing that aircraft noise in St. Charles County is a matter of legitimate concern.
The article states that County Councilman Carl Bearden announced late last week that a letter from St. Louis city officials pledges that they actively will "pursue discussions to address this issue." Schnur characterized the letter as "a very positive step forward." Bearden has emphasized that nothing of substance will be done to mitigate aircraft noise over St. Charles until St. Louis city officials get involved, since the city of St. Louis owns Lambert Field. The letter received by St. Charles County was signed by St. Louis Mayor Clarence Harmon, Aldermanic President Francis Slay, and Comptroller Darlene Green.
The article reports Bearden was writing a letter late Monday to St. Louis officials suggesting "that we meet as soon as possible." He said that such a meeting "has great potential for a resolution." The immediate objective, he said, is "trying to reduce the noise from occurring under current conditions." He acknowledged that the airport is limited in what it can do. Some progress was made, he said when air traffic controllers agreed last month to encourage cargo airplanes to take off from Lambert's north runway between midnight and 4 a.m. Those departures would route airplanes over less populated parts of St. Charles during early-morning hours.
PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
DATE: March 17, 1998
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B, Digest
DATELINE: Boca Raton, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Susan Whelchel, city council member
The Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale reports the city's Airport Authority on Monday appointed a new noise abatement officer.
According to the article, Airport Operations Manager Renee Johns is the new noise abatement officer. Johns will combine her existing duties with the job of enforcing the airport's noise -reduction measures. "When I was hired as operations manager, it was also to help with noise issues, but now I have the full responsibility for that," Johns said. Previously, Johns shared the job with the airport's assistant manager of informing pilots about noise -abatement procedures, tracking down violators and answering complaints from the airport's noise complaint line. "Now I'll be the key contact person and working with the community; researching and enforcing our program will be my No. 1 priority," Johns said.
The article reports that City Council member Susan Whelchel, who has been calling for the hiring of a noise abatement officer, said the move "is a good first step. Now we have to make sure these procedures really do get enforced."
PUBLICATION: The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH)
DATE: March 16, 1998
SECTION: Metro, Pg. B01
BYLINE: Terry Flynn
DATELINE: Hebron, Kentucky
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Bob Flaig, resident
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Boone County, Kentucky, residents know the price for the prosperity brought by the Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport. Among the prices paid: jet aircraft noise, loss of land and homes, and now, the airport wants to close a section of road. Residents have objected to this last request.
According to the article, the airport is now asking the county to close more than one mile of Hossman Road, which makes a long loop from Limaburg Road to Ky. 20 on the airport's western edge. The closing is sought to provide space for Mesaba Airlines to build a $12 million maintenance facility. But some residents of Hossman Road don't think the closing is necessary or reasonable. "I think it would make more sense to relocate the road," resident and business-owner Bob Flaig told Boone County commissioners during a recent public hearing. "Hossman Road carries a good bit of truck traffic, to avoid (nearby) Conner High School. Closing the road through the middle would create traffic problems." But Dale Huber, the airport's deputy director of aviation who coordinates land acquisition and noise mitigation, said Hossman Road will eventually be closed entirely as airport expansion demands more land. "From an economic standpoint, it makes no sense for us to relocate the road, " he said. "Of course, we will abide by what the fiscal court decides." Commissioners are to make that decision at their March 31 meeting. The choices are keeping the road open and eliminating the possibility of the Mesaba expansion, or closing part of the road and angering longtime county residents who are both taxpayers and voters.
According to the article at a recent meetings of the Boone Fiscal Court and the Kenton County Airport Board executive committee, noise mitigation and land acquisition were discussed. Jet aircraft noise has meant homes and schools near the airport must be sound-insulated. The airport board is expected to approve a bid from Hemmer Construction of $ 2.165 million to perform a complete sound insulation job on Boone County High School in Florence. School officials have complained for years that the noise of jets taking off over the school has disrupted classes and disturbed pupils. Through a federally mandated noise mitigation program, the airport will fund the sound insulation as it has done for numerous homes in and around Florence. Huber said the airport has insulated 160 homes, with 55 more in the process.
The article reports that some airport neighbors in Boone County will eventually have to give up their land and homes to the airport's expansion. Huber also told board members recently that the airport's purchase assurance program has resulted in 134 homes either sold or with sales pending in noise corridors designated by the Federal Aviation Administration, with 30-35 more homes now on the market through the program. In some cases, the airport buys the homes from the owners and resells them, and in other instances, the owner sells the house. Still others owning homes in the noise corridors to the south of the airport choose to install sound insulation, or do nothing.
The article goes on to report that County Commissioner Shirley Meihaus said the county must consider every aspect of airport expansion carefully as it affects county residents. "The airport has been wonderful in bringing new businesses and many new jobs to the county," she said. "But before we do things like close Hossman Road, we must look at what it will mean to the people who live there, to their property values and their lives. We still must think about the people first."
PUBLICATION: The Daily News of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
DATE: March 16, 1998
SECTION: Editorial, Pg. N14
DATELINE: Los Angeles, California
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Michael Jay Miltenberg, resident
The Daily News of Los Angeles published the following letters from residents in the Los Angeles area who cited their views on leaf blowers, the leaf blower ban and its enforcement:
I completely sympathize with the frustration of Michael Jay Miltenberg ("Leaf blower patrol; Valley man hits streets in support of ban," Daily News, March 11), the Sherman Oaks man who's trying to keep tabs on the gardeners who are violating the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in his neighborhood. Leave it to the city of Los Angeles to bring us a law that violators can ignore with impunity, a law that had to be amended before the city inspectors were supposed to file complaints or even write citations.
For the second week in a row, I've had to confront my next-door neighbor's gardeners, who continue to use gas-powered leaf blowers despite the new law banning them. Each time I've also tried to file a complaint with city inspectors by calling the Bureau of Street Maintenance's hotline at (800) 996-CITY. What a joke. I'm not surprised city inspectors have only collected an average of 21 complaints a day since the law went into effect. Most of us couldn't get through to report violations and file complaints because the line is always busy.
I'm glad the situation is better for people in Pacific Palisades since the ban went into effect, but plenty of us here in the San Fernando Valley are fed up with seeing gardeners openly violating the law, not being able to get through on the city's so-called "hotline" number and being subjected to the continued noise and pollution generated by gas-powered leaf blowers. The huge response the Daily News received to its March 11 poll question, "Do leaf blowers annoy you?" seems to bear this out, since 79 percent of the 3,539 people who responded said yes. The poll results may not be scientific, but City Council members would be well-advised to get the message and finish the job they started. - Carol Keeler, Sylmar.
Leaf blowers even annoy the gardeners who use them. A question that would have made a lot more sense would be, Do you think leaf blowers should be banned? If leaf blowers should be banned, so should lawn mowers, weed whackers, cars, buses, helicopters and airplanes. Why not just ban everything that people use for a living that makes noise? Good idea. - Dan Bartko, North Hollywood.
I admire Miltenberg for confronting the gardeners and their offending leaf blowers. I found myself listening to someone running one outside my bedroom window and decided to try out the phone numbers you published. I went out and wrote down the license number on their truck, the address, date and time, and called the Bureau of Street Maintenance's toll-free hotline. First of all, I was led through an electronic maze by a computerized voice, which - I'm guessing here - is supposed to guide me to the appropriate person with which to file my complaint. After pushing all the buttons I was told to push on my phone, I ended up listening to a phone ring for about 10 minutes.
I realized that that particular extension must be located in the same dimension where the mismatched socks go when they disappear from the laundry. I gave up. Next, I tried my local police station's nonemergency number. After listening to this phone ring for a few minutes, I was greeted by another computerized voice which informed me that all their operators were busy and led me through another list of options, and their corresponding numerical responses. After a few minutes of this, I was finally greeted by an operator who took my complaint about the rampaging leaf blower. The whole process took about 30 minutes, and by the time I was finished, the gardeners were gone and had taken their leaf blower with them. I realize now why Miltenberg takes the shorter route and confronts the gardeners himself. - Steven Wasco, Sherman Oaks.
There must be countless other entities that Miltenberg could take on that seriously pollute our air. Even the government is reluctant or unwilling to enforce the ban. Miltenberg should think again. - Julian T. Nguyen, Reseda.
To Michael Jay Miltenberg: Get a life. Surely, there are more vital issues than picking on poor, hard-working gardeners. I'm sure the Salvation Army or other charities would love his help. This is one of the worst laws ever written because it penalizes those at the bottom of the economic scale in order to give those at the upper end a few moments of quiet. It couldn't be more racist. Where is the American Civil Liberties Union when it is needed? - Larry Fogg, Burbank.
PUBLICATION: The New York Times (New York, NY)
DATE: March 16, 1998
SECTION: Section B; Page 4; Column 1; Metropolitan Desk
BYLINE: Andy Newman
DATELINE: Newark, New Jersey
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Dr. Jerome Feder, resident and chairman of the Union County Air Traffic Advisory Board; Peg Cebula, resident; Clarence Guidroz, resident; Albert Taylor, resident; Leslie Taylor, resident
The New York Times reports an accurate assessment of the new flight pattern at Newark International Airport was thwarted by a northwest wind today.
According to the New York Times, in a long-running battle over flight paths, the Federal Aviation Administration decided last month to change the routing of about 250 planes that were taking off each day on the southwest-facing runway at Newark. For the next six months, instead of flying over the northwest tip of Staten Island and then cutting west, the planes were to angle off to the west sooner and pass in greater numbers over parts of Union and Middlesex Counties in New Jersey. The FAA says the change would reroute jets over more industrial areas while cutting the workload for air traffic controllers, because the turn requires less communication with the control tower.
The article says no difference was noted by residents on the first day of the pattern shift. In the Arlington section of Staten Island, which was supposed to see a drop in aircraft noise, Peg Cebula got what she refers to as her usual morning wake-up call: The bottles on her windowsills rattled and banged when a jet passed overhead. Across the Arthur Kill in New Jersey residents who were bracing for an increase in racket and rumble found their fears unwarranted. "We didn't notice anything different today, but we sure are dreading this," said Clarence Guidroz as he stood in front of his house in Rahway, about eight miles as the 747 flies from Newark's runways. "Those planes fly right through my living room already. If they make the wingspans five feet wider they won't be able to fit through the windows anymore." The unnoticeable effect was due partly to shifting winds that sent traffic north from Newark for most of the day and partly because of low Sunday air traffic volume.
The article says noise opponents predicted that many New Jersey residents -- in towns including Woodbridge, Clark, Edison and South Plainfield -- and even some Staten Island residents would suffer under the new flight paths. There was a sense on both sides of the river that residents of the two states were being played off each other. "What it seems like they're doing is taking the noise from one town and putting it on another," said Albert Taylor, Arlington resident. His daughter, Leslie, said the only time she remembered quiet in her neighborhood was during a blackout in the 1970's. "We had a dog who was so upset by the planes she developed this nervous condition and started to chew herself," she said. "We had to give her to the A.S.P.C.A." The Taylors' current dog is deaf. "Maybe it's because of the airplanes. I don't know," said Mr. Taylor. In Westfield, which was supposed to see and hear fewer jets, Jerome Feder, chairman of the Union County Air Traffic Advisory Board, reported otherwise. "Today was about the same as the worst it's been in the past couple of years," said Dr. Feder, an acoustic researcher with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering who has spent $30,000 soundproofing his house. "It's certainly not an improvement."
PUBLICATION: Press Association Newsfile
DATE: March 16, 1998
SECTION: Home News
BYLINE: Amanda Brown
DATELINE: Cambridgeshire, England
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Doug Ash, spokesman for HUNTSNAP; Richard Hall, conservation officer
The Press Association Newsfile reports that thousands of angry residents are fighting plans to turn an abandoned airfield in rural England into a 24 hour international airport.
According to the article, the battles centers on a plan to transform the former American air base at RAF Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, into an integrated air, rail and road freight distribution center. Activists fear other vacant RAF bases nationwide will be used likewise, despite predicted noise, pollution and congestion. Local protest groups warn if the Alconbury plan goes ahead, the rural tranquillity of the area will be shattered for ever with planes flying around-the-clock. The plan is opposed by former Conservative Prime Minister John Major and Shadow Home Secretary Dr. Brian Mawhinney. Doug Ash, spokesman for HUNTSNAP (Hunts Say No to Alconbury Plans) said Alconbury Developments Limited, a consortium including the British Airports Authority, has applied for the go-ahead for the project. "This is the thin end of the wedge. If they succeed in this, how long will it be before other RAF bases are turned into freight centers round the country?" Apparently, permission is not needed to turn the base from a military field into a commercial operation. "The noise would be dreadful and the roads round here quite unable to cope with the extra traffic. The A14 between Huntingdon and Cambridge is the tenth most congested road in the country already," Ash said. Ash's group estimates 15,000 flights each year, or 40 flights every 24 hours, is the minimum requirement for a viable commercial operation at the base. Night flying would be extensive, causing noise and pollution. Ash pointed out that Stansted airport, which is only 30 miles away, is operating below capacity, which makes another freight base unnecessary. Tim Matthews, spokesman for ADL, said, "We have been asked by Huntingdon District Council to withdraw the flying application and that is under consideration."
The article reports rare insects, including the Great Green Bush Cricket, could be at severe risk if the Alconbury airport plan goes ahead, top conservationists warned tonight. Richard Hall, Conservation Officer at English Nature in Peterborough, said, "We are not happy with the lack of information on this. There is a threat to a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Great Stukeley railway cutting, which has a mix of grassland and is home to a rare colony of the Great Green Bush Cricket. There are other issues that need considering. What would an airport do for colonies of bats, badgers, newts and other protected species in the area? We need more details on this scheme."
PUBLICATION: The Montgomery Advertiser
DATE: March 21, 1998
SECTION: Montgomery; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Kim Chandler
DATELINE: Montgomery, Alabama
The Montgomery Advertiser reports that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ruled unanimously Friday that Montgomery's noise ordinance is constitutional, after a challenge was brought by Eddie Lee Moore, who was ticketed while listening to talk radio.
Acording to the article, Montgomery's noise ordinance is directed at people with loud car or portable stereos. The ordinance stipulates that motorists cannot operate a radio, musical instrument, or a similar device that can be heard by anyone five feet from the car. Pedestrians cannot operate stereos or other devices that can be heard by anyone ten feet away. The ordinance fines violators up to $500. Emory Folmar, the Montgomery Mayor, said, "The noise ordinance for the city has meant the quieting down of the loud boom boxes." The article notes that city police officers issued 3,975 tickets for people violating the noise ordinance between May 6, 1996, and March 18, 1998, for a total in fines of $463,595.71.
The article reports that Eddie Lee Moore was fined $100 for violating the ordinance while listening to a talk radio show, and subsequently challenged the law's constitutionality. Last May, a court ruled that Mobile's noise ordinance was unconstitutionally broad because it covered not only radios, musical instruments, and boom boxes, but also yelling, shouting, singing, whistling and hooting. However, the appeals court ruled that Montgomery's ordinance only covers amplified noise coming from radios, musical instruments, and similar devices. Judge Pam Baschab wrote, "The distance standards in the Montgomery noise ordinance define what constitutes a violation of the ordinance with sufficient detail to put a person of ordinary intelligence on notice of what conduct is prohibited."
The article notes that the city has had a noise ordinance since 1990, but did not crack down on violators until 1996, after the Montgomery City Council doubled the maximum fine. After that, three unmarked police cars cruised the city looking for violators, Mayor Folmar said.
PUBLICATION: Aviation Daily
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: Europe; Vol. 331, No. 53; Pg. 467
DATELINE: Brussels, Belgium
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Hardy De Beaulieu, residents organizer in Charleroi; Jacques Vandenhaute, president, UBCNA, a consumer action group
Aviation Daily reports that resident groups in Belgium are threatening action against two airports in the Brussels area to protest what they say are lax noise standards. Residents living near the Brussels South Charleroi Airport are demanding a halt to night flights and training flights, and residents and city officials in Woluwe-St.-Pierre, a Brussels borough near Brussels Airport International, say the airport is not monitoring or enforcing noise rules for older aircraft.
According to the article, more than 100 representatives of the 25,000 people who live near the Charleroi airport met last weekend with airport authorities to demand a stronger voice in the airport's expansion plans. The article note that the airport is lengthening its main runway to 3,400 meters in order to make way for more courier flights and medium- and long-haul charter flights. Hardy De Beaulieu, a member of the residents' group who helped organize the meeting, said residents will pressure the city to ban night and training flights "since they bring few benefits in terms of employment to our region."
Meanwhile, the article says, local officials in Woluwe-St.-Pierre are preparing a new legal challenge claiming that Brussels Airport International (BAI) is not enforcing anti-noise measures such as financial penalties required on the older, noisier Chapter 2 aircraft. Jacques Vandenhaute, Woluwe's deputy mayor and president of UBCNA, a consumer action group, wrote recently in the daily La Libre Belgique, "We must have the courage to limit the number of aircraft movements at BAI to 200,000 per year -- or the same as at Paris Orly. The same must be applied as well to night flights, which must become the exception and not the rule as is the case today." The article notes that the airport handled about 253,000 aircraft movements last year, not counting general aviation flights. Vandenhaute argued for an immediate reduction in night flights from 80 to 50 flights. He also said he will introduce legislation to limit night flights to a 150-ton aircraft weight limit, as well as a noise limit for each type of aircraft.
PUBLICATION: The Orange County Register
DATE: March 19, 1998
SECTION: Community; Pg. 01
BYLINE: Hang Nguyen
DATELINE: Placentia, California
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Alan Grotz, Mel Miracle, George Ziegler, residents
The Orange County Register reports that more than 300 residents attended a meeting last week in Placentia, California to protest the construction of a YMCA proposed for a vacant lot at the Placentia United Methodist Church. Residents said they were worried about the noise the YMCA would bring. Before the proposal could be built, the article notes, it must be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.
According to the article, Glenn Miller, the pastor of the church, invited the Yorba Linda/Placentia YMCA to build the facility. The proposed building would have 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, and would cost between $2.4 million and $4.5 million. The article says the church would lease the land to the YMCA for free in exchange for exclusive use of the facility on Sundays.
The article explains that most of the residents attending the meeting said they did not disapprove of the YMCA or its goals, but believed the proposed location in a residential area is wrong. Resident Alan Grotz said, "We're for the YMCA 100 percent, but put the YMCA in a commercial area with other businesses." Mel Miracle and other residents said they were worried about the noise the YMCA activities would bring. Miracle said, "My house is 10 feet from the wall (of the church). I don't want (the YMCA) here. I like to sleep. I don't need people slamming the door or turning the radio on at night." Resident George Ziegler also said the facility would increase noise, as people come and go from the facility. He said, "You're talking about adding traffic, adding 10,000 to 15,000 people to a city with 40,000 people. I think it's totally inappropriate." Another resident, Faye Ponce, said she is trying to sell her home and she believes her property value will fall if the YMCA is built. She said, "The problem if we did sell the home is that we would have to enclose this possible building behind us. Once you tell the buyer that, they'll turn around and leave."
According to the article, Pastor Miller said he thought the proposed facility would benefit the YMCA, the church, and the surrounding community. The article notes that the YMCA provides youth programs, classes, and services to the community in order to promote spiritual, social, physical, and mental characteristics and values for its members in accordance with Christian beliefs. The Placentia/Yorba Linda YMCA currently has 5,000 children and families who participate in its programs on an outreach basis, but the branch has no permanent home.
The article notes that some residents at the meeting also objected to the facility on the grounds that it would be the first YMCA in the country to be located in a residential neighborhood. But Boyd of the YMCA said the organization has facilities in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo in residential areas, and those facilities are doing fine.
The article reports that Bob D'Amato, the City Administrator, said the area would have to be re-zoned or the YMCA would have to get a conditional use permit if the facility is to be built. D'Amato said the city won't take a position on the project for now. Rena Hagmaier, a former member of the Placentia Planning Commission, said she believes the facility won't be built because,"(Placentia) doesn't rezone a lot of things. They don't let things in with non-compatible use and that's non-compatible."
Eric Boyd, executive director of the Yorba Linda/Placentia YMCA branch, said YMCA officials still have hope for the proposed facility, but they realize it will be an uphill battle. Boyd said YMCA officials may try to reduce the size of the proposed facility to decrease some of the opposition from residents. Meanwhile, Miller said the church trustees will meet next month and decide whether or not to proceed with the YMCA facility, and then inform the public about its plans.
PUBLICATION: Washington Business Journal
DATE: March 20, 1998
SECTION: Vol 16; No 46; Pg 1
BYLINE: Thomas Hall
DATELINE: Washington, DC
The Washington Business Journal reports that two bills in Congress would lift flight restrictions at National Airport in Washington, DC and open the airport to new competitors. The bills propose to remove the airport's "perimeter rule," which limits flights to 1,250 miles in length. Local officials are opposing the bills, saying they would lead to a loss of jobs and growth at Dulles International Airport, would worsen congestion and noise problems at National, and could create pressure to permit more flights at National
According to the article, the Federal Aviation Administration adopted National Airport's perimeter rule in the 1960s to foster use of the newly built Dulles. The rule originally stipulated that flights could only be 650 miles in length, but in 1986 the rule was changed to 1,250 miles. The number of takeoffs and landings also is limited at National through the FAA's high-density rule.
The article reports that Senator Bill Frist (R-Tennessee) is sponsoring the Air Service Improvement Act, that would allow exemptions to some of the flight restrictions at National. Margaret Camp, Frist's press secretary, said, "Senator Frist's intention is to allow new and improved service at National. National is only running at about 80% of capacity now." Meanwhile, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) is sponsoring the Aviation Competition Enhancement Act, which would open National to new competitors. McCain's bill would redistribute many of the airport's "slots," or takeoff and landing permits, from major airlines to smaller airlines in an attempt to foster more competition. McCain believes more routes would be added, and airfares would go down.
But many local officials oppose the bills, the article reports. Tara Hamilton, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said, "Our concern is that we have a $2 billion capital investment program at both airports, based on the long-range stability of the current system. Everything is predicated on National being a restricted airport, with limited flight operations." A study released by the Washington Airports Task Force, which promotes the use of Dulles, found that if the perimeter rule is lifted: National would gain up to 1.5 million passengers a year; and many of the transcontinental flights now taking off at Dulles would shift to National. In addition, the study found that fewer wide-body jets would use Dulles, causing a decline in the region's air cargo industry. Keith Clark, spokesperson for the Washington Airports Task Force, said, "This would cause a huge ripple effect on jobs in the Reston area." According to the task force, Dulles could lose up 3 million passengers a year, a 22 percent drop. One-third of that decline is expected to come from passengers switching to National, while the other two-thirds is expected to come from cutbacks in international flights due to the fewer connecting flights. Clark said, "It could take us 10 years to build that back up. A heck of a lot of major companies -- Oracle, MCI, BDM -- have relocated to the Dulles area precisely because of the international air service here."
In addition, the article says, local officials believe that removing the perimeter rule would create pressure to allow more flights at National, which currently is limited to 37 flights per hour. In addition, flights are allowed only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to minimize the airport's noise impact on the densely populated surrounding areas. Hamilton of the Airports Authority said, "We want to keep both the perimeter rule and the slot rule. They are very much intertwined."
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Aircraft Noise
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Noise in Our National Parks/Natural Areas
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