Dear Sharon,
You are correct. Newton has a very strong leaf blower ordinance, Many of us
would like to see that adopted in Watertown. But according to at least one
counselor, we can’t do that because it was not in the referral to the joint
committees. Folks, amend the damn referral.
The old ordinance goes back to the early 80s. I’ve been fighting for an
improved ordinance for close to two years partially to get Victory Field under
control, given both the school problems and Mr. Centola’s high jinks and then
other issues. The key to controlling noise is to set standards regarding
decibel level, duration, hours, and geographic zones. Somerville has a good
ordinance in clear, everyday language - not legalese referrals to statues etc.
that you have to look up.
We now have two zones, decibel level, and hours (some people want later start
times and thus unhappy about the hours) in this draft but no duration standard.
And the leaf blower language is really weak. If other communities can have
equipment standards regarding dB levels, mufflers, etc., why can’t Watertown?
The other key issue who enforces the ordinance (this should fall under the
police) and the fines. I have several free apps on my phone to measure decibel
level which seems to surprise our some of our Councilors.. These tools are
being used by police departments in other areas. Watertown needs to come into
the 21st century. We can’t “hope” that civility will take care of these issues.
As I write you, someone is sawing away with a power tool. The grind is
intermittent, it’s tolerable with the windows open but would be annoying if I
wanted to read on my porch, and thankfully it did not start at 7:00am.
And sorry, unfortunately our noise ordinance can do nothing about airplane
noise.
Hope all is well with you and David. Your garden gives me such joy. Happy 4th,
Elodia
_______________
Elodia Thomas
(617) 926-3952
We Are All Watertown
On Jun 29, 2019, at 8:23 AM, Sharon Bauer <sharonkaybauer@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Dear Elodia,
Thank you for your protective diligence on this. I want to support the
efforts for reducing noise in Watertown. The attached document seems to me
very weak, only protecting us from the noise of leaf blowers, etc., very
early on weekend mornings. I had seen reference in earlier emails to much
stronger regulations in Newton and other nearby towns. Is there a particular
message that it would be helpful for me to send to Councillors?
Meanwhile, I call the Massport number frequently as airplane noise wakes us
at night, and we curse the deafening sound of motorcycles and mufferless-cars
roaring up Palfrey Street. I remember with nostalgia years ago sitting in the
garden on Sunday morning with only the music of the birds and the St. John’s
Church carillons.
Sharon Bauer
Note my new email sharonkaybauer@xxxxxxxxx
On Jun 27, 2019, at 9:13 PM, Elodia Thomas <Elodia.h2otown@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Heads Up!
Given that noise is a hot button issue in town, is July 2nd the appropriate
day to hold such a critical meeting?
These meetings have had high resident attendance with lots of public
commentary. Full disclosure, this meeting was originally scheduled for July
18th. As one of the proponents pushing for the revision of this ordinance,
and having contributed researched information to the joint committees, this
meeting conflicted with the regularly scheduled Community Preservation
Committee meeting which I chair. I protested. I also also heard from
residents - “Why are important meetings being held in July and August when
so many people go on vacation?” “That draft is a mess, it’s too hard to
read.” “They just want to move forward when no one is around to speak up.”
It's now rescheduled, with very short notice even earlier, during a major
holiday week and prime summer vacation time.
Just so you know, I reached out to the Town Councilors and respectfully
requested that the joint committees postpone this meeting until September. I
also asked that they link a red lined draft version and a clean version to
the agenda. The response was "Some folks think we are moving too slow while
others think we are moving too fast. Some folks want to see the changes made
to the original ordinance, while others would like a clean version. Also,
if we took the month of July and August from Committee meetings we would be
swamped in September and October." For the record, I attend quite a few
meetings in town. I am often only one of two or three residents in
attendance. Again, folks show up for these noise ordinance meetings.
The meeting has now been moved to Tuesday, June 2 (not good) and the
attachments have been updated to include the red-line version of the revised
ordinance that was attached to the previous announcement and a clean version
of the revised ordinance (good).
If you can't make the meeting please be sure to send in any comments to the
Town Councilors at towncouncilors@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Noise is a real quality of life issue for residents. It is getting worse as
we continue to redevelop every nook and cranny of Watertown. Resident
engagement is a terrible thing to waste especially after all the solid
community input that has occurred. Please share this email with your friends
and neighbors. Many voices can bring about change, so please show up.
Together we make a difference.
Happy summer to all,
Elodia
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27684/2019-07-02-Human-Services-and-Rules-and-Ordinances---Noise-Ordinance--date-change
_______________
Elodia Thomas
(617) 926-3952
We Are All Watertown
<2019-07-02-Human-Services-and-Rules-and-Ordinances---Noise-Ordinance--date-change.pdf>
