Village introduces draft noise ordinance

WATKINS GLEN––The village of Watkins Glen released a first draft of a potential noise ordinance for the village at the regular meeting of the board of trustees held Monday, Sept. 23. A workshop was held prior to the meeting to discuss the ordinance, with a second workshop scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. With some exceptions, the proposed law prohibits unreasonable noise at all times, and unnecessary noise between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The proposed law states “disturbing, excessive and offensive noises within the jurisdictional limits of the Village of Watkins Glen is a condition that has persisted, and the level and frequency of occurrences of such noises continues to increase.” To curb the increase in instances of disturbing noise, the proposed law sets out specific situations that would automatically qualify as violations. These include the sound from a television, stereo or other sound reproduction system that can be heard from 60 feet away, or across property lines, the sound of a barking dog that continues for 15 minutes, alarms that continue for 15 minutes, construction work or the use of power equipment during the night hours, and unnecessary vehicle noise.
There are exceptions carved out of the proposed ordinance for emergency vehicles and situations, municipally sponsored events and the installation of utilities. Additionally, churches and schools would be exempt under the proposed law as long as the noise created does not occur between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Any establishment or individually sponsored event that desires to provide entertainment may seek a permit from the village to engage in such activities.
Violations of the proposed law would incur increasingly severe sanctions for each subsequent violation within a period of five years. A first offense would be punishable by a fine and up to three days in jail. If a second and third offense is committed in a five year timeframe the punishment increases to a potential seven days and 15 days in jail respectively, along with a fine. The proposed law states, “these noise levels are a detriment to the public health, comfort, convenience, safety, and welfare of the citizens. Every person is entitled to an environment in which disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise is not detrimental to his or her life, health, or enjoyment of property.”
In other business:
• The board sent a letter to Robert Monteiro thanking him for “14 years and countless hours” of service to the fire department. Monteiro is relocating to a different area, and Mayor Mark Swinnerton said that community will be happy to have him. He thanked Monteiro for “all you’ve done for the department and the community.”
• Streets Superintendent Don Perry described drainage work that was to be done along Second Street in the village. He explained the heavy rains had damaged the drainage system in that area and a repair was necessary or it could potentially wash out parts of Second Street.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the municipal building, with the noise ordinance workshop to occur prior to the meeting, at 6 p.m.