November 16 Commissioners Meeting

Last night's Commissioner meeting was quite interesting. It just so happens a proposed wireless telecom satellite tower was on the agenda and a well-researched objection to this tower was presented by Valerie Hubbard. In addition, Bill Davis inquired of the Commissioners as to what type of research they do as a board, prior to making decisions on major projects like this. This is interesting because the telecom tower is an idea that was put out there, to the open market, for businesses to offer proposals on how they could fulfill the need. We learned that the county does NOT do any of its own research prior to installations like this, but relies on the guidelines sited in its "ordinances." Why is this interesting to the problem of excessive noise being permitted from the Smoky Mountain Event Center? For two reasons. First, no research has ever been conducted as to how the grounds of the SMEC could BEST be utilized, without creating disturbances to the communities that surround it. And second, because the long outdated Haywood County Noise Ordinance is an ordinance that permits any business that can claim "economic purpose" to create sound disturbance without limitations between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm. This outdated ordinance is actually permitting these concerts and sound systems.

The petition to Put An End to the Noise was presented to the Board of Commissioners last night. It is also addressed to the SMEC Board of Directors. Taxpayers for peace will continue to acquire additional signatures of support into the new year, but with 107 current signatures, it was time to share the news that a very large area is negatively impacted by noise coming from the SMEC.

If you would like to watch the meeting, it is available at the link below. If you watch from the beginning, you will learn about the cell tower, hear Valerie, Bill, and Linda speak. The petition presentation is at approx 38:56.

Wendy, a Regina Park resident, shared her concerns...her family has been resident for 28 years. They've been active at county fairs, flea markets, tractor pulls and more and she describes this as "good, wholesome family entertainment." She has fought very hard to keep her home, particularly during COVID19. She described the noise experience from the outdoor concerts as "assaulted in her own home." And "it's not music, it's techno, blasting, beating, crazy stuff." Wendy has to go to bed early to get up for work, and she emphasized "in order to keep her home." And during the concerts she was so frustrated and angry. She was forced to stay up later, being subjected to listening to the noise from these concerts. She has noticed strange cars and people trafficking the neighborhood during these events. And as many have already stated, she shared that "this is not the proper venue" for these concerts and it is "100% not appropriate" for her neighborhood.

Commissioner Tommy Long, in response, shared that there is a committee formed just recently, with HOA presidents, to attempt to address some of the community concerns. He stated their first meeting would be tonight November 17.

But, during the county COVID19 report, we were made aware that relief and normalcy without the virus is a long way off....forecasting mid 2022 before seeing change. That may mean many, many more concerts.....and possibly a BIG lawsuit....

Review meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh0sjLZBAwE