When music is played in the Park in the (Woodstock) Square, how loud should it be tolerated?
Last Sunday I was visiting friends who live about five blocks from the Square, and we sat outside on the nice afternoon. About 4:00PM my peace was shattered by music being played on the Square. Songs and voices were being amplified, and they were clearly understandable five blocks away.
Is that too loud?
Frankly, for whatever group or individual was playing on the Square, it's not even necessary, in my opinion, to amplify it. Why not just play it for those who are near the musician(s)? Do guitar players even ever play anymore without plugging in?
The City of Woodstock has some control over pre-recorded music that is broadcast through speakers on the Square. The Opera House manager controls that.
But when a band sets up in the Square, apparently no one controls that. If a resident wishes to complain about loud music and noise, he is to call the police department. What will the police department do? My guess is nothing.
If loud music and lyrics can be heard and understood five or more blocks from the Square, is the music too loud? Is the amplification too high?
Yes, but is it illegal? Unlawful? Is it going to be necessary to leave Woodstock for a little peace and quiet?
You never know who is interested…
3 months ago
9 comments:
As I sat during my morning meditation today, I could clearly hear the traffic on Route 14(2900 feet/8city blocks) and the inbound train pulling into the Metra station(3800 feet/11 city blocks). I was distracted by thoughts of possible future music performances I'll be involved with in the Square's gazebo(3600 feet/10 city blocks) and reflected on the long history of the city band's performances in that gazebo- performances that I can hear clearly from my front lawn.
How nice to live in a town that is sufficiently quiet that I can listen to a historic band play 3600 feet from my home.
The only upside for someone who cannot appreciate this is that they will find comfort and silence in death.
And a correction to a statement in your article- the city of Woodstock does, in reality , control who plays music on the Square- specifically, in the gazebo. Use of the gazebo is arranged through a rental agreement.
It is usually best to conduct some due diligilence before making a public statement.
John, you've got the best hearing in town.
As a matter of fact, John, I did inquire of the city, and here is the reply, dated June 7, 2012:
"While it is true that John Scharres and the Opera House staff are responsible for the pre-recorded music that emanates from the speakers in the Park-in-the-Square, anytime a resident has a noise complaint they should contact the Police Department. In the case of an approved event on the Square such as Musicfest, however, the organizer has already been given permission to feature amplified music as part of the approval process for the event. Unless the sound level is egregious, it is doubtful that the organizer would be asked to curtail the music. Also, it should be noted, that the distance the sound travels is highly dependent upon weather and wind conditions."
So, enjoy the noise (errr, music...), John.
My second comment was directed to thiis sentence in your post:
"But when a band sets up in the Square, apparently no one controls that."
Your letter from John Scharres clearly shows that statement is false.
As to my hearing? It is of average sensitivity; I have an annual hearing test as part of my regular health screening.
John, isn't it the case, according to the City's explanation (which wasn't from John Scharres), that the Opera House staff manages only pre-recorded music in the Park in the Square?
The City might control (by a permit, if a permit is applied for and issued) Who plays in the gazebo, but not What they play or at what volume.
Methinks you are too modest about your hearing. Your hearing is superb, if you can hear Route 14 traffic eight blocks away and a Metra train slowly stopping at the Woodstock Depot 11 blocks away.
Give it up John. He'll never admit to making any mistakes and now you've done the work for him so he can later boast that he knows the distances from various points in town in relation to one another.
To what mistake are you referring?
You know, the one where you thought you knew the answer....wow, talk about vague! That covers at least the last couple of years.
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