This is Not the first time to this dance, so to speak. This idea has been brought forward several other times in the past, and shot down each time. What’s more scary than the idea of a noise ordinance for rural Danby, is the lack of honest and transparent reporting by Town Board officials and their newspaper. Their paper sadly seems more like Soviet propaganda than transparency and truth. Pat Woodsworth wrote an article in their paper updating the noise ordinance. This article was several weeks after a forum at 6 pm prior to the normal Board meeting back in April (19th?). The meeting lasted over 3 hours! Approximately 70 people were in attendance with 20+ more on zoom. What she didn’t mention in her article: First, Ithaca Police officer Ted …… of Danby confounded the Board by clearly and with many details explaining the current State noise law. The Board members were baffled by his information and knew nothing of it! It was quite embarrassing for the Town Supervisor and Board! Humiliating as a onlooker. He explained that even if Danby passes its own ordinance, when the Sherrif or State Police show up to a complaint, they will enforce the State laws, not local laws. If Danby had its own police force, those officers could enforce local law.
Second, Not one person in attendance was for a noise law, except for the Town supervisor and Board members. Not one! One lady played a 20 second recording on her cell phone of mini bikes or motor cycles making noise near her house ad complained about that. Her husband remained quiet and said nothing. Still she didn’t say she was for the ordinance. What was clear was that the vast majority were very upset over the idea of this ordinance. Sadly, some were so upset that their language was not acceptable, their tone quite harsh and unloving, and there was much disrespect for the people on the Board. Yet these residents of Danby have felt shut down, not listened to, and marginalized by the governance of our town. They’ve thrown up their hands and quit in the past. Now they were beside themselves and had enough.
Third, about 1.5 hours into the forum, more than half of those in attendance angrily walked out because they felt like they weren’t being listened to. A Town Board member is on record at a June meeting of saying, “we need to pass a noise ordinance quickly. Even if its bad, let’s pass it and we can make it better later”. I wonder why Ms. Woodworth did not tell us this story. Be careful, this pitch coming at you has spin on the ball and will drop away when you go to swing at it (so to speak).
Fourth, when asked what the noise complaints are, we were sworn that they are numerous, and that those supporting the noise ordinance are the majority of Danby. Where were they in April? The answer given was that those for it are afraid of those against it. Now just think – really?!!! If those for it outnumber those against it, who should be afraid? There certainly is a huge lack of transparency here!
Fifth, there were 2 situations that brought his noise “problem” to the Board. One was a cannabis dryer off South Danby road a few years ago that ran till 1am at times and ran 18 hours a day at times. It has since gone away as the cannabis industry was a flash in the pan for fiber in our area. The second was a situation that involved a Town Board member and their neighbor. The neighbor bought land next to them and needed to get electricity back to it. This Board member and his significant other would not cooperate. The neighbor then bought a generator and put it near the line to harass the Board member. The solution to this would be if people could get along, talk like adults and respectfully to one another, and work together! It seems like both parties had some blame in that situation. Other complaints that we know about involve garbage being picked up at 4am in a part of Danby that wakes the residents. Another is speeders on Nelson road and load motorcycles and vehicles that bother a particular resident there (even Dan Klein was caught in that one and its on the Town recording from that meeting)
Sixth. When asked why our paid Town Supervisor did to reach out to the police or Sherrif, he had done nothing. When asked if he would go and set up an appointment with the police chief or Captain, Joel dodged the question. Later another young man circled back and put Joel on the spot. Reluctantly Joel agreed to call the Sherrif and speak to him (I’m wondering if he has really done this?) Why spend so much time on a noise ordinance that affects everyone and likely will result in neighborly feuds, when a trip to the Sherrif would solve it. Which is easier and makes more sense? About 15 minutes later the Ithaca police officer advised Joel not to call, and explained the way things roll at a police station. A phone call will be blown off and no real attention given to it. But an in person meeting is the only way to be effective. Why won’t our leaders serve us by doing what will eleviate a problem, instead of legislating and taking away freedoms?
What’s wrong with a Noise ordinance?
Or what’s wrong with this noise ordinance? Plenty!!! First the proposed hours are from 9PM till 7am. Its still light in June and July at 9pm. Neighbors had a family wedding in July and the music started about 8pm and went till 10. We heard it but we smiled as 2 young people were joined in matrimony and their guests celebrated. It was just one night and not every night. Live free and enjoy! We celebrate with you! Gun shots legally can begin at 6:35 am on opening gun (the 3rd Saturday in November) Every hunter in Danby would be potentially breaking this ordinance by legally pulling his or her trigger before 7!
So what has the writers of this ordinance done in response to these points? Nothing!!! We cannot understand this! They seem intent on an agenda and don’t cre who nor why people oppose their noise ordincance.