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The Ad Hoc Amplified Sound Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 30th at 7:30 PM at the Senior Center located at 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA regarding the use of amplified sound in public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas. In particular the following proposed draft language for an amendment to the Board of Selectmen Policies and Procedures will be discussed:
*DRAFT POLICY*
RULE 4. Amplified Sound - Users of public property and abutting residents should have an expectation of quiet enjoyment of the Town’s public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas.~ This rule recognizes that these properties are the site of some activities which inherently create levels of noise due to customary and usual uses such as fans cheering, referee and coach’s whistles, and bands playing during football games.~ There is also recognition that as a community the public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas are the site of occasional community events which use amplified sound such as school field days, community fairs, and fireworks displays, etc.
Amplified sound is defined as voice, music or any sound extended above and beyond its normal range by an electronic device or secondary means such as a radio, megaphone or non-electric equipment.
The use of amplified sound in public parks, playgrounds, recreation and other open space areas is not permitted without a permit to be granted by the Recreation Committee or other agency which has jurisdiction over said public property.
When permitted, the use of amplified sound shall be controlled by the permit holder such that the volume, direction, and duration of the sound is the minimum needed to meet the purpose of the use of the sound, and which will minimize the impact of the sound on other users of the park, playground, or other public property and its abutters.~
The intent of this rule is to allow, with a permit from the Recreation Committee or other agency which has jurisdiction over said public property, reasonable and occasional playing of music or use of amplified sound while considering location, content, duration and frequency such as an annual fair, once a year all-star sports games, etc.~ The use of amplified sound is not intended to be a routine for recurring events such as play by play announcements for sporting events and other repeated use of music and amplified sound. The permitting authority should consider the frequency of amplified permits per park or recreation site and afford significant consideration to the neighbors abutting the permitted areas as regards to their inconvenience created by said permit.
When a permit is granted, a copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Board of Selectmen at least 3 days before the event at which the music or amplified sound is to be used.~ Additionally, all permitted dates of amplified sound will be posted in a conspicuous place on the Town’s website as well as available by contacting the Recreation Division or head of any other agency having jurisdiction over the public property for which a permit has been granted. ~
Any variance from this rule will require the permitted applicant to petition the Board of Selectmen for such variance at which time a public hearing will be held on the matter.
Any person not able to attend the public hearing may put their comments in writing prior to the meeting and send them c/o Recreation Division at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 or email Recreation Administrator, John Feudo at jfeudo@ci.reading.ma.us.
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