I’m starting this column today by mentioning that two years ago,
I had an audiogram, and it was discovered I have a mild hearing
loss. The audiologist asked me which it was, guns or automobiles,
and I answered
”
both.
”
So, take my opinion today with a grain of salt; others may have
more sensitivity to noise than me.
I’m starting this column today by mentioning that two years ago, I had an audiogram, and it was discovered I have a mild hearing loss. The audiologist asked me which it was, guns or automobiles, and I answered “both.” So, take my opinion today with a grain of salt; others may have more sensitivity to noise than me.
Now, the city is contemplating a noise ordinance. Like many ordinances and laws, it came about because neighbors couldn’t resolve a problem themselves, and it escalated to calling the cops and complaints to city staff. City staff checked out the complaint; the noise generated was within the current standard. No one came away happy. Obviously, legislation must result.
So, a couple of nights ago, I turned out the house lights, turned on my bedroom reading lamp, and turned in to finish the latest Jeffrey Deaver novel. Just as the dedicated detectives were apprehending the bad guy through enormously complicated deductive reasoning, Phyllis asked me “do you hear that?”
I had to listen hard, but then I did. It was a low, continuous throbbing sound, and when I paid attention, I immediately knew what it was: the diesel engines in the locomotives that are usually parked overnight at 10th Street at the tracks. Extremely large diesel engines, like the locomotives have, are seldom shut down; they’re hard to start, especially in cold weather, and use very little fuel to idle, so, they run all the time.
Also, our neighbors to the east have a pool, which has some sort of pump/filter mechanism. The device runs during the summer months when it’s hot. I can hear it at night occasionally, but it’s the kind of thing you get used to as just the background noise of modern suburban living. I’ve never mentioned it to them because it’s part of living in close proximity to others, and it quickly sinks into the background noise that we all learn to ignore.
These occurrences pose for me what seems a reasonable question: When should lack of good manners or neighborliness result in legislation? The correct answer, it seems to me, is that it shouldn’t. I know we’re all supposed to have “quiet enjoyment” of our property. Everybody understands that a leaf blower or lawn mower being used before 7am or after 10pm (does anybody really mow their grass after dark?) is beyond the pale. This is why it seldom happens, even in the summer when the sun’s up at 6. So, why regulate such a thing? Is it worth city attorney time, staff time, and city council time to say “you can’t do that, and if you do, we’ll fine you?” I don’t think it is. And besides, if such an ordinance is enacted, I know what’s going to happen. The cops aren’t going to patrol the neighborhoods at 6:30am or 10:15pm looking for miscreants with McCullochs or Toros. It will be one of those ordinances that’s enforced only when people complain, generally by calling 911. Then, when the cops show up, the homeowner will suspect, or probably know for certain, who ratted him out to the local constabulary. Call me a pessimist, but I see this approach as a negative to general neighborhood comity.
Wouldn’t a better approach be to say “Hey Fred, it’s 6:12am, people are trying to sleep, turned that damned thing off, willya?” I guess if Fred (not his real name) made a habit out of such behavior, a patrol car through the neighborhood might work. But as I said above, c’mon. When does it happen?
A worse idea was the proposed industrial standards. It’s rather hard to imagine a body shop, auto tire store or other business in which noise is not only expected – but unavoidable – being regulated. Also, the problem begins to get into the classic airport vs. the citizens argument. Should those who bought a home near an airport that was all ready there be entitled to complain about aircraft noise, or the occasional plane landing in the neighborhood? I’ve never been able to understand why they should.
I’m of the opinion, based on remarks I’ve heard and read, that a majority of council members would be delighted to see this one quietly skulk out of town. I think that’s wise. I suppose, however, that if they really wanted to punt it, they could appoint a task force.
Kill this one, guys. It’s a waste of time, money and resources.
Bob Dillon is a former Gilroy city councilman and a longtime scribe. His column is published each Thursday. Reach him at rt******@****ic.com
