The first day of summer began with a loud bang for some residents of the village of Baldwinsville.
Paper Mill Island hosted a 95X Fest June 21 and village officials heard about it. Several complaints were made regarding the noise, which one resident voiced concerns over at the village board’s regular meeting July 3.
Barbara Leija, who lives about five blocks from the island, asked the board to reconsider allowing the next concert an increased sound level. “Bring Me The Horizon” by Upstate Shows is scheduled for Sept. 5. The board had granted higher than standard decibel usage for both the 95X Fest and the upcoming show.
“It should not need to be felt like the impact of a fireworks explosion in my home,” she said, adding that she had to increase her TV volume in her home from 25 to 60 with windows shut, and still couldn’t drown out the noise.
Mayor Dick Clarke said the village had its fair share of complaints that night and will look into the matter for future events, but isn’t sure what they can do with an event that is already booked.
“We have allowed people to raise the level before and it was not an issue,” Clarke said. “We, as a board, have continually tried to balance the idea that we have a venue that can handle concerts, but remember we are in the middle of people’s neighborhoods.”
Trustee Richard Presley said that while they may not be able to do anything about the Sept. 5 concert, he will do all he can to prevent the disturbance from happening again.
“I think we were naive enough to believe this would not be a problem,” he said.
Trustee Mark Wilder said the village also got some negative feedback about the foul language heard throughout the night. Deputy Mayor Bruce Stebbins proposed the board consider contracting the sound to the village to ensure the sound is regulated.
“We provide it, we control it,” he said.
The board will next meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at 16 W. Genesee St. in Baldwinsville. To view the board meeting, check out the PAC-B TV schedule on page 12 or to obtain a DVD copy, call 638-2768.
