Residents Speak at HC Board of Commissioners Meeting 10-19-2020

Residents of Foxfire Estates II and Regina Park attended the Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss excessive noise from the Smoky Mtn Event Ctr. John stated the noise was "tearing up neighborhoods." With "sound so loud and disturbing to actual use of our homes." And sound “so oppressive." Speakers and amps are aimed at Regina Park; like "bringing a Horowitz artillery piece to a small arms presentation." Janie shared that she and her spouse "fell in love with Waynesville" after traveling the country in an RV, buying their house 1 year ago. She described "huge speakers pointed towards her home blaring." She’s concerned about strangers roaming her street during concerts, cutting through to attend for free. She doesn't feel safe. She stated the "vibration is unbelievable and they didn't move here for that." And "nobody wants to live in that kind of neighborhood." Afraid the noise has depreciated her house. DeeAnn shared the music blasts so loud you can't talk inside and are overpowered outside. She lives 1/2 mile away with Dan. She stated realtor.com has a description of property "sound" indicating noise has an impact on value and marketing homes. She requested the Noise Ordinance be revised. Dan called it caustic noise measured at 83 dB on their deck. He said it's disgusting and the Commissioners wouldn’t have that at any time in their neighborhoods. His neighbor works long hours and has to endure the loud music AND the light show flashing his bedroom preventing sleep. Dan asked for a copy of the county contract with the Fairgrounds that expires August 2021. He requested a revised noise ordinance so residents "don't have to file law suits." He stated it is up to the County Commissioners to take action, that it is a “serious problem.” Joy stated venues change, but complaints never do. She’d “never heard anything like it.” Saturday night a home registered 89 decibels, stating it was “uninhabitable for that time.” And “sound pollution is now the smoke pollution of 20 years ago.” Linda spoke for 3 neighborhoods requesting events this loud be prohibited and that the VERY outdated noise ordinance be revised to parallel counties across NC. She stated bull horns and car horns were used during the concerts, a violation of even the current noise ordinance. And the fairgrounds is not an appropriate venue for such indoor or outdoor sound systems and “a new name doesn’t make it so.” She invited the Commissioners to her home to hear for themselves. Stay tuned for a recap of the Commissioners’ responses….