Illegal signs block sidewalks, they float atop buildings and are
draped across chain fences flapping in the breeze. It’s messy
visual pollution.
Lately, there’s been a lot of noise in the Gilroy City Council chambers about the issue of noise. We’re adding our voices to the din, because something important has been forgotten.
Noise doesn’t exist in a vacuum and it needs to be treated as part of a comprehensive environmental, quality-of-life ordinance that addresses similar issues.
Yes, City Council should address noise, but in a fair way that holds businesses, not just homeowners, to reasonable standards. Those standards must take into account time of day, duration and zoning. We’ve seen discussion of about pool equipment and businesses, but what about parks? What are the rules there for boom boxes and/or live music?
Noise is just one of the issues. Illegal signs block sidewalks, they float inflated atop buildings and are draped across chain fences flapping in the breeze. It’s messy visual pollution.
All of these items – though not earth shattering – affect the quality of life of Gilroy’s residents and speak to the vision we have for our city.
If someone can’t sleep because a business is belching noise, that’s a problem. If a mother can’t wheel her stroller down the street because it’s blocked by signs or a business tarnishes an entire city’s image with a giant inflatable dinosaur astride its building, that’s a problem.
Our City Council should craft a comprehensive ordinance that takes a wide view of these problems and balances the needs of residents and businesses.
But that’s not enough.
It also needs to provide for enforcement, because unenforced ordinances are a giant waste of time and effort.
A hot line should be established for residents to report possible violations. A Gilroy Police Department community service officer would be charged with following up on those complaints and issuing the equivalent of fix-it tickets as warranted.
It’s not a fun issue, but it’s an important one. Addressing it will go a long way toward making Gilroy a better place to live.
quality-of-life ordinance that addresses similar issues.
Yes, City Council should combat noise pollution, but in a fair way that holds businesses, not just homeowners, to reasonable standards. Those standards must take into account time of day, levels, duration and zoning. Discussions about pool equipment is too shallow a starting point. What about boom boxes in parks? Concerts that disrupt neighborhoods? What are the rules?
And noise is just one of the issues. Illegal signs block sidewalks, they float atop buildings and are draped across chain fences flapping in the breeze. It’s messy visual pollution.
All of these items – though not earth shattering – affect the quality of life for Gilroy residents and speak to the vision we have for our city.
If someone can’t sleep because a business is belching noise, that’s a problem. If a mother can’t wheel her stroller down the street because it’s blocked by signs or a business tarnishes an entire city’s image with a giant inflatable dinosaur astride its building, that’s a problem.
Our City Council should craft a comprehensive ordinance that takes a wide view of these problems and balances the needs of residents and businesses.
But that’s not enough.
It also needs to provide for enforcement, because unenforced ordinances are a giant waste of time and effort.
A hot line should be established for residents to report possible violations. A Gilroy Police Department community service officer should be charged with following up on those complaints and issuing the equivalent of fix-it tickets as warranted.
It’s not a fun issue, but it’s an important one. Addressing it will go a long way toward making Gilroy a better place to live.
