PUBLICATION: Times Union
DATE: May 16, 1999
SECTION: Perspective, Pg. B4
BYLINE: Peter Halewood Albany
DATELINE: Albany, New York
The Times Union printed a letter to the editor as follows:
Regarding Joseph Fennimore's sensible letter calling for enforcement of ordinances against blasting car stereos ("Enforce noise laws," April 27), I have concerns to add.
Why aren't laws enforced against those motorcycles whose ear-shattering noise makes it clear that the owner has illegally removed the muffler? Can these really be hard for police to spot?
And while we're talking about new regulations for Albany taxis, how about addressing their common practice of pulling up to an address and immediately blowing the horn long and loud to summon the occupant?
PUBLICATION: The Times-Picayune
DATE: May 17, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. 4B
DATELINE: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Times-Picayune reports that a Cathedral in New Orleans' French Quarter has become a place of conflict between street musicians and parishioners. Parishioners claim their right to worship is being compromised by street musician's noise, and had threatened to sue the city; in response, no-noise signs have been erected and a pledge has been made by local police to enforce noise limits there.
The article continues, saying musicians are angry at the restrictions, and several of the signs have already been stolen. The city's latest noise ordinance, passed last fall, tried "to regulate street musicians within constitutional boundaries" by creating a zone around the cathedral; that zone is to be free from noise that registers more than 78 decibels 50 feet from its source during services or other events. A civil rights' lawyer suggested that musicians might be less upset if the times of enforcement were clarified on the signs; currently they seem to forbid noise at all times.
PUBLICATION: Sacramento Bee
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Barbara Barte Osborn
DATELINE: Truckee, California
The Sacramento Bee reports that Truckee, California's Town Council is considering restrictions on the use of personal watercraft in Lake Donner. Nearby Lake Tahoe recently banned personal watercraft, and residents are afraid make people will come to Lake Donner instead. Personal watercraft release up to 1/4 of their fuel -- including MTBE, benzene, and other chemicals -- unburned into the water, which in turn is used as drinking water by lake-level residents and also imported into Nevada for drinking.
The article continues, noting that the council will make a decision soon but is only gathering information and public input for now; they are still wary of a recent State reprimand received when they tried to set the minimum age for a watercraft operator at 16, overriding California's minimum of 12. Supporters include the Committee to Keep Donner Lake Clean, Safe and Healthy, who are seeking a ban on personal watercraft; their first concern is drinking water, but noise, wildlife, and ecological impact are important issues as well. A representative of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will also be on hand to discuss its upcoming ban on most other two-stroke engines on Lake Tahoe to limit raw-fuel pollution. At least one resident who handles vacation rentals on the lake agrees with the intentions of the restrictions, but hopes that vacationers hoping to use personal watercraft are not scared away.
PUBLICATION: Roanoke Times & World News
DATE: May 19, 1999
SECTION: Virginia, Pg. B4
BYLINE: Joanne Poindexter
DATELINE: Fincastle, Virginia
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Keith Martin, concerned citizen
Roanoke Times & World News reports that Keith Martin of Fincastle, Virginia is constantly disturbed by noise from Tower Automotive's manufacturing plant. The plant operates 24 hours a day, creating noise which crosses agricultural zones to Martin's residence. Martin presented his case to the County Board of Supervisors, calling for revocation of a noise ordinance exemption for manufacturers. The Board assigned an administrator to meet with plant officials to try and resolve the issue, but made not commitment to alter the noise ordinance.
The story continues, saying that Martin has talked to county officials and the plant for two years about correctable noises and outside lighting; the lighting problem has been fixed, and the noise has been reduced but not by enough. He presented a videotape, made at 6:23 AM after company officials had promised to lower their noise and stop entirely during sleeping hours. Martin represents 28 others from his subdivision, but did not reveal their names; to date, Martin is the only citizen who has complained.
PUBLICATION: Orlando Sentinel Tribune
DATE: May 17, 1999
SECTION: Lake Sentinel; Pg. 2
BYLINE: by Monica Scott
DATELINE: Tavares, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Judy Whaley, Tropical Shores and Venetian Park Homeowners Association
Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that Tavares, Florida's city council will discuss a proposed noise ordinance that would target those who create nuisance noise. The proposition comes after a petition of 154 names was submitted last month by neighbors of a new, loud restaurant. Council members maintain that the ordinance is not targeted at the restaurant, rather it fills in a previous gap in the city's laws.
The story continues, noting that residents are pleased but worried that enforcement will not live up to theory. The law would cover any amplified sound or instrument that 'disrupted', and would consider noise level, time of day, duration of the noise, and whether it was constant. The owner of the restaurant in question says he believes the music is not too loud, but plans to install soundproofing in the restaurant to limit the noise.
PUBLICATION: Newsday
DATE: May 16, 1999
SECTION: News; Page A31
BYLINE: by Hugo Kugiya
DATELINE: Plainview, New York
Newsday reports that residents in Plainview, New York who asked their representative for a noise wall in 1992 when he was elected now say that the proposed 18-24 foot wall would block their view. Because of the sloped terrain between the highway and the homes, utility and emergency access issues, and economic feasibility, the wall would have to be closer to the property lines than to the road to be effective. In 1997 about 100 residents signed a petition saying that the noise wall would be too close, and this year about 40 signed a petition saying they no longer wanted it at all.
The article goes on to say that the freeway has already been repaved in an attempt to quiet noise, but that a sound barrier seemed to be a more permanent solution. Many residents who live in the area want a picturesque setting, which doesn't include a view of a concrete wall. About $15 million has been spent in Plainview's district to address noise complaints, and about $2.5 million was still available to put towards the $11 million cost of building the 13,600 foot barrier. The district representative will survey the 200 residences affected, and if the sound wall is not wanted the money will be spent on more trees between the highway and the residences.
PUBLICATION: News and Observer
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Dan Kane
DATELINE: Durham, North Carolina
The News and Observer reports that Durham, North Carolina has strengthened their noise and loitering laws in response to several incidents of violence this year at a downtown dance club. A fatal shooting outside the club in December, and serious injury resulting from a fist-fight in April convinced lawmakers the regulation was necessary. Wording of the laws are now more encompassing, meaning that patrons of "The Power Company" and other revelers can not "create noise that is "unreasonably loud" and "disturbing" or make sounds that exceed certain decibel levels at certain times."
The article continues, noting that the trespassing laws were similarly amended to require people to go to their vehicles without loitering in parking lots. Both measures are meant to curb violence, as well as noise that the club patrons make when gathering outside after a night of equally loud music.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: May 19, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Jean O. Pasco
Los Angeles Times reports that a $1.3 million commercial jet-noise demonstration at El Toro Marine Base in Orange County, California was approved by County supervisors 3-2. The test is intended to give residents an idea of the noise they would experience if the proposed commercial terminal is built on the base, and ten temporary monitoring stations will be set up to objectively gauge the noise. Critics claim that the take-off directions to be used are dangerous and that the test will not accurately convey the impact of a 24-hour commercial airport operation.
The article continues, noting that two pilot unions have opposed the proposed northerly and easterly departure route because of rising terrain and nearby hills. Marines ceased northerly departures after a 1968 training jet crash. Although $100 million in insurance has been secured by the County, any significant claim could be mainly shouldered by taxpayers well into the future.
The story also notes that opponents believe while residents may think the noise isn't that bad during a several day demonstration, a 24-hour constant operation will be very different. Demonstration supporters believe that the test will show there is nothing to worry about, and ask opponents "What are you afraid of?"
The article continues, saying that the county had hoped to begin cargo flights after the Marines leave on July 2nd, but Navy environmental studies will push that date back until next year.
PUBLICATION: Financial Times
DATE: May 19, 1999
SECTION: Us And Canada; Pg. 04
BYLINE: Victoria Griffith and Betty Liu
DATELINE: United States
Financial Times reports that longer and more numerous flight delays at crowded U.S. airports are limiting business' rate of growth, and many businesses are supporting airport expansion. Passenger flights have increased 42 percent over the last seven years, and the next ten years could see even faster increases in demand. Residents continue to be upset by airport growth, citing the resulting noise as an enemy of quality of life, and claiming that business executives who don't live near airports have no right to dictate what noise is tolerable.
The article continues, noting that Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport has an average flight delay of 8-10 minutes, though any expansion will be opposed by residents there; delays like these cost airlines $27 for each passenger hour due to fuel costs and overnight accommodations for passengers and crew, and this adds up to figures as high as $313 million at airports like Logan in Boston. There, the mayor is opposing a new runway because it would increase noise pollution problems. In Greensboro, North Carolina citizens are upset at a proposed Federal Express hub. In Lexington, Kentucky residents are upset at the effect airport expansion would have on picturesque horse farms, and Los Angeles International Airport's expansion proposal has been stalled.
The story goes on to say that in the past, cities would build airports further out from cities, but urban sprawl makes that more difficult. New airports are not a popular option with taxpayers anyway, costing from $7-10 billion for a terminal and two runways, so expansion remains the only obvious route. Airports may end up reducing demand by charging higher airfares for prime-time slots.
The story notes that while it is generally agreed upon that an efficient infrastructure is needed for a city to have business growth, there may be other ways. A new high-speed rail line between Boston and New York, which accounts for 30% of Logan's traffic, may help alleviate demand. Also, adding runways may not always help the problem; "At Logan about 40 per cent of runway slots are taken up by tiny commuter aircraft that carry just 10 per cent of the airport's passengers."
PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: May 16, 1999
SECTION: Metro Lake; Pg. 1; Zone: L
BYLINE: by Casey Bukro
DATELINE: Columbia Bay, Illinois
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Electric Harbor Marina, on Fox Lake in Illinois, is disrupting neighbors on the shores of Columbia Bay. Residents say the bar and summer afternoon concerts that Electric Harbor started last year are too loud, and complain that the 66 boat slips there detract from their views and property value; Bob Glueckert is trying to sell his house, and can't because Electric Harbor has effectively taken more than $250,000 off of its value. The owner, Larry Phillips, says he has no intention of changing.
The article continues, detailing the little battles between neighbors and Phillips. A County Board member inaccurately agreed with a false claim that Phillips applied for lakeside musical event permits again this summer, later saying it was a mistake. He was falsely accused by another homeowner of being fined for applying for permits after the fact. Three noise complaints were filed last year, although investigating officers never took significant action. Most recently, neighbors are claiming that a lease that Phillips has with his neighbor to use her lakefront in his marina is classified as expansion of a commercial business onto residential property; they have asked for a public hearing.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: May 19, 1999
SECTION: Mchenry County; Pg. 3; Zone: Mc
BYLINE: John Flink.
DATELINE: Chain O' Lakes, Illinois
Chicago Tribune reports that marine police will be on hand to help powerboaters determine if their boats are within the new noise limits set by Fox Waterway Agency on the Chain O' Lakes near Chicago. The limit is 90 decibels, but passing under the limit does not mean a boater can not receive a ticket this season; it is meant to give boaters an idea of whether they need to take steps to quiet their engines.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Sun-Times
DATE: May 19, 1999
SECTION: Nws; Pg. 35
BYLINE: by Robert C. Herguth
DATELINE: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Sun-Times reports that a noise consultant hired by Chicago, O'Hare's Noise Compatibility Commission will analyze the airport's 28 noise monitors for accuracy. The monitors record aircraft noise in neighborhoods and send data to the airport, so noise can be correlated with particular runways and airlines. The commission, which includes several school districts in the area, wants to use the data to help fight noise.
The article continues, saying that the consultant was originally hired for this task last year, but instead was asked to examine whether a controversial noise contour map, used to pick houses most in need of soundproofing, was appropriately constructed. The study (costing $150,000) will include field visits to monitors and flight path analysis. While the commission believes the monitors are functioning correctly, they wish to assure that their data is very accurate.
PUBLICATION: Boston Globe
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: Economy; Pg. E4
BYLINE: by Lester C. Thurow
DATELINE: Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Globe printed an Opinion piece by an MIT management and economics professor Lester Thurow suggesting that political difficulties with expanding airports, or better yet developing high-speed rail, be solved the way they are in France: financial compensation. In France, residents receive monthly checks depending on how close they live to power plants to compensate them for the risks. Thurow suggests that we pay premiums for houses that have to be torn down, compensate for train noise, and get a real high-speed rail system underway.
The piece centers on air traffic congestion at Logan airport. The author acknowledges that a convenient, time-competitive infrastructure must exist for Boston business to boom, but says that real high-speed rail (nearly twice as fast as the coming 'tilt train' between New York and Boston), going from center city to center city, could happen if we compensated those that would be hurt by construction and operating noise. High-speed rail between Paris and London has gotten people off of airplanes, reducing air-traffic problems while supplying convenient transportation.
The author believes that even checks around $200 per affected family could make politically impossible projects possible. By carefully compensating for projects that were most urgent, and only in cases of major disturbances, this method could remain cost-effective and expedite many useful public works projects.
PUBLICATION: Arizona Republic
DATE: May 16, 1999
SECTION: Valley And State; Pg. B2
BYLINE: by Edythe Jensen
DATELINE: Gilbert, Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports that a new proposition in Gilbert, Arizona's Town Council that requires home buyers to be notified of airport noise is being opposed by Williams airport and by present homeowners. The director of the airport claims that a new airport-disclosure law -- which takes effect in August -- will make the proposition redundant, but council members say there is a big gap in the RESALE of homes. Although buyers of new homes will find out about airport noise if it is over a 60 dB average per day, those selling their own homes need not disclose that information, and they are saying they shouldn't have to.
The article continues, saying that many homeowners were never told themselves, and the market value of their homes would be unfairly lowered. There are 81 private airports in Arizona, and more than 200 residents living near Williams Airport have sued against the Town of Gilbert, saying they weren't told. The situation isn't getting any better either, since Williams is planning major expansion over the next 20 years, increasing their air traffic by over 50% in the next 20 years.
PUBLICATION: Arizona Republic
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: Business; Pg. E1
BYLINE: by Peter Corbett
DATELINE: District of Columbia
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Don MacGlashen, Member of Citizens for Abatement of Aircraft Noise
Arizona Republic reports that America West Airlines, with support from Arizona Senator John McCain, supports pending legislation that would allow non-stop flights from Phoenix into the District of Columbia's National Airport. Currently, a 1966 'perimeter rule' designed to ease congestion and help nearby Dulles and BWI airports compete, disallows flights of over 1,250 miles to fly into National. Critics say the Air Transportation Improvement Act would not lower fares, and would just create more noise.
The article goes on to say that McCain claims not to be acting in his own self-interest, the interest of his state's airline, and his constituents, but instead to be breaking the barriers to competition and allowing fares to drop. Smaller airlines could gain access to National, allowing them to expand and compete. Currently, America West is the only major carrier who can not fly from their major hub directly into National. But critics say that lifting the perimeter rule would hurt Dulles and BWI, and would not actually cut fares. "Instead, carriers would charge more for lucrative long-haul flights into National than they can for one-stop service into the capital." A George Mason University study said Dulles could lose up to 3 million passengers each year and 5,400 jobs if the legislation goes through, but America West claims that Dulles and BWI are growing strongly and are separate markets that won't be affected by the legislation.
The story continues, saying that the bill would allow 48 more slots, 24 of which could be longer than 1,250 miles. America West's direct connection form Phoenix to Washington would open access to several markets, and other airlines with western hubs are supporting the bill. Any decision to increase the number of slots would be noticed especially at New York's JFK airport, and Chicago's O'Hare Airport, where officials are also wrestling with slot rules.
The article goes on to discuss residents' concerns, including members of Citizens for Abatement of Aircraft Noise. They oppose the change, claiming the noise is already immense and should not be increased, and say that McCain is acting in his own self-interest; McCain claims he will never use the non-stop service if it becomes available.
PUBLICATION: The Virginian-Pilot
DATE: May 21, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. B5
BYLINE: by Louis Hansen
DATELINE: Norfolk, Virginia
The Virginian-Pilot reports that a lawsuit, filed by Norfolk, Virginia's group Citizens Concerned About Jet Noise, that challenged the navy's relocation of jets to Virginia Beach's Oceana naval base was dismissed. The suit alleged that Virginia Beach was chosen as the relocation site arbitrarily, and that the navy's environmental impact statement was not sufficient. The group wanted a supplemental study of how the louder jets would affect communities in the area. The group plans to appeal the decision.
The article continues, noting that the ten F/A-18 squadrons are coming from Cecil Field in Florida, and that four of the squadrons have already been transferred while the rest should arrive by October. The navy considered sites in South and North Carolina as well as Oceana, and the judge presiding over the decision believed that Oceana was chosen appropriately. The ten squadrons are supported by about 4,600 personnel, and are expected to pump $185 million annually into the local economy.
PUBLICATION: Seattle Post-Intelligencer
DATE: May 22, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. A1
BYLINE: Steven Goldsmith and Judd Slivka
DATELINE: Seattle, Washington
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Cathryn Vandenbrink, leader of Sound Rights
Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Seattle's loudest late-night businesses may find refuge from the city's tough new noise ordinances -- including $250 fines -- in a new idea: Entertainment Zones. City council is considering designating designating these zones to allow a loud, vibrant nightlife to flourish in some areas while protecting residential tranquility in others. Many businesses love the idea, but at least one citizen group believes the zones would be unfair to current residents and contribute to urban sprawl. The columnists address the issue in a humorous way, following a luckless drunken man through his night.
The article continues, saying that the new noise ordinance comes in response to the more than 12,000 noise calls the police department receives each year, and a downtown population that promises to double in the next ten years to 26,000. Sound Rights, a resident group, claims that the proposed entertainment zones would only further disrupt the lives of residents, driving them out of downtown, and encouraging urban sprawl. The group wants the strictest noise ordinance possible, which means an ordinance without "entertainment zone" stipulations.
The story says it is standard practice for Seattle music clubs to turn up the volume as the night goes on. If entertainment zones were introduced, businesses in an area could form one by petition, "much as they now create self-taxing business-improvement areas. Nearby residents, or perhaps only property owners, might also get to vote. If a majority of businesses on a block agreed, higher noise levels later into the night would be allowed," in exchange for measures like soundproofing and closed doors.
PUBLICATION: San Francisco Chronicle
DATE: MAY 22, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. A17
BYLINE: Carolyne Zinko
DATELINE: Peninsula, California
San Francisco Chronicle reports that eight mayors from the Mid-Peninsula region near San Francicso International Airport asked airport management to take noise-control measures as part of the current $2.4 billion terminal expansion. Measures would include maximum noise levels for new flights over Peninsula cities, reduction in noise of current flights, penalties for non-compliance, and public hearings to help determine the placement of new runways. The mayors made their request public at a news conference, after sending their request to the airport in writing three months ago.
The article continues, saying that complaints in each city involved have numbered into several hundred. Expansion may well cause these complaints to increase unless noise issues are addressed as part of that process. Leaders in several Peninsula communities have been denied admission to Airport/Community Roundtables in the past, but an airport spokesman now says there would be no problem in setting up hearings in the cities to address concerns.
The story notes that the current expansion will serve to make the airport an international hub among countries on the Pacific Rim. That would increase the number of flights and runways, as well as the size of the jets and the noise they make.
PUBLICATION: Providence Journal-Bulletin
DATE: May 21, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. 3C
BYLINE: Elisa Crouch
DATELINE: North Attleboro, Rhode Island
Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that neighbors of North Attleboro, Rhode Island's YMCA are upset with noise from a new skateboard park ramp there. Not only is the ramp noisy, but it was also built without proper permits. Coupled with the repeated dumping of drained chlorinated pool water on property wetlands, noise issues have had YMCA representatives meeting with the Conservation Commission for nearly a year. The Y has agreed to make changes, such as holding environmental workshops on their wetlands and dechlorinating and testing their pool water before dumping it. The facility has already voluntarily insulated the skateboard ramp to reduce noise.
PUBLICATION: Associated Press State & Local Wire
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: San Francisco, California
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Richard Otter, Member of Save the Redwoods League
Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that a popular motocross track in California's Humboldt County will be shut down after a successful suit by the Save the Redwoods League contended that the resulting noise was incompatible with enjoyment of a nearby ancient Redwood grove.
The story goes on to say that the track, which operated illegally for two years before obtaining a permit in 1997, hosts 18 weekend events throughout the year. An appeals court ruled on May 11 that the noise is inappropriate for a track so close to the recreational uses at "Avenue of the Giants" natural area. The State Farm Bureau believes the racetrack is potentially excellent agricultural land, and supported the decision. Save the Redwood League and the State Parks Department acknowledged the importance of the track for many residents, and will help find a more appropriate place for relocation.
PUBLICATION: Orlando Sentinel Tribune
DATE: May 21, 1999
SECTION: Lake Sentinel; Pg. 1
BYLINE: by Monica Scott
DATELINE: Tavares, Florida
Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that Tavares, Florida's City Council is considering a noise ordinance that would fine violators -- which could include those making "any excessive sound that disturbs the peace, including music, barking dogs and construction" -- up to $500. If noise continues, violators could be required to appear before the city Code Enforcement Board. The ordinance stems from resident complaints about a 7-month-old neighborhood restaurant that plays loud music. While many council members support a noise law, some think it is too subjective. At least one member does not believe the city should be subjected to an ordinance because of problems in a particular area.
PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: May 18, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: San Francisco, California
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Richard Otter, Member of Save the Redwoods League
Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that a popular motocross track in California's Humboldt County will be shut down after a successful suit by the Save the Redwoods League contended that the resulting noise was incompatible with enjoyment of a nearby ancient Redwood grove.
The story goes on to say that the track, which operated illegally for two years before obtaining a permit in 1997, hosts 18 weekend events throughout the year. An appeals court ruled on May 11 that the noise is inappropriate for a track so close to the recreational uses at "Avenue of the Giants" natural area. The State Farm Bureau believes the racetrack is potentially excellent agricultural land, and supported the decision. Save the Redwood League and the State Parks Department acknowledged the importance of the track for many residents, and will help find a more appropriate place for relocation.
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Aircraft Noise
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Effects on Wildlife/Animals
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Firing Ranges
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Home Equipment and Appliances
Industrial/Manufacturing
International News
Environmental Justice
Land Use and Noise
Lawsuits
Civil Liberty Issues
Miscellaneous Noise Stories
Noise Ordinances
Noise Organizations Mentioned
Outdoor Events
Noise in Our National Parks/Natural Areas
Regulation
Residential and Community Noise
Snowmobile and ATV Noise
Research and Studies
Technological Solutions to Noise
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Violence and Noise
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