Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Minneapolis takes stock of its noise policy

A new MinnPost article gives us a good look into the challenges and triumphs of city noise regulation. With a city hall vote on noise caused by doorbell cameras and sensors expected later this week, citizens of Minneapolis are taking note of noise from a plethora of sources – ranging from transportation noise to even the sound of a fire alarm – and eagerly awaiting solutions. Though equipped with explicit noise control legislation and even the help of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the city is still overwhelmed by complaints, finding that creating a policy and enforcing it are two entirely different challenges. While the battle against noise in Minneapolis is ongoing, residents and community leaders can all agree on one thing: it is a more difficult issue to identify and address than you’d think. 

Northumberland community rejects wedding venue plan over noise concerns

In an exciting win for quiet spaces and community advocacy, Northumberland residents successfully halted plans for a commercial wedding venue at Chatton Trout Fishery. At a recent North Area Planning Committee meeting, locals voiced strong concerns over potential noise pollution and the lack of a prior noise assessment. Thanks to their efforts, the council refused the application, preserving the fishery as a tranquil haven for residents and wildlife alike.