By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
PENNSBURY – Chadds Ford Board of Supervisors approved many items at last week’s busy meeting, but the Noise Disturbance Control Ordinance generated the most engagement from meeting attendees.
A lively noise regulation public hearing was held prior to the regular meeting, which started late due to the amount of public comments. Many residents were against the ordinance, despite the fact that the township has had a similar noise ordinance for years.
The directive includes sound level limits for residential, commercial, and industrial land categories, with timeframes, days of the week, and maximum noise levels in decibels.
Residents took turns commenting on how the law would impact family time. Several said they were unaware that the township was creating such restrictions.
Chadds Ford Township Manager Amanda Serock discusses the 2016 Preliminary Budget with residents at the board of supervisors meeting.
“I have four children, so that is four outdoor birthday parties a year where the kids are yelling and playing. I believe that we have a right to have private parties,” said one resident. She also questioned if Chadds Ford Elementary would be bound by the noise levels.
Supervisor Samantha Reiner told the group that the ordinance targets construction noise.
Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy agreed, saying that the sound of children playing does not exceed the maximum noise level. “However, a summer party with stereo speakers blasting at 1:00 a.m. is not acceptable,” explained Murphy.
After listening to resident comments, Supervisors Vice-Chairman George Thorpe thought the supervisors should look at the ordinance again before voting; stating that it will be difficult to change once it is approved. For that reason, he voted against it.
However, Supervisors Murphy and Reiner voted to move forward with the law, as it is very close to what the township had before and because contractors will still be outside working and making noise. Murphy also noted that family events have never been an issue in the past.
“I believe theory is scarier than reality,” said resident Alan Horowitz. He suggested that the township post concrete examples of noise level limits, demystifying the decibel and other technical terms in the document. The supervisors agreed that the more information provided to residents, the more comfortable they will be.
In other agenda items, Manager Amanda Serock gave a presentation on the Preliminary Budget Proposal. Expenditures in 2016 are budgeted at $1,208,177. Serock reported that 0% tax increased has been proposed. She noted that Chadds Ford Township has the 4th lowest taxes in the county for both township and overall local taxes.
The supervisors approved the budget proposal, and will continue this ongoing budget conversation at a public meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the township. The final budget will be reviewed and approved at the December 2nd board of supervisors meeting.
Also, Pennsylvania State Trooper Timothy Green reported minimal burglaries and thefts in the township. However, there have been many DUI’s (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.) Green cited “close to 90” DUI’s so far this year, an amount he considered high. He also stated that his group will be in full force on Route 202 to assist with Wegmans November 8th opening day traffic.
The next meeting of the Chadds Ford Township Board of Supervisors will be held Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Building, located at 10 Ring Road in Chadds Ford.
