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July 26. 2012 12:06AM
Nashua neighbors complain of noise at bandshell
NASHUA — Neighbors who live near Greeley Park made their voices heard this week, sharing noise complaints and urging city officials to hire an acoustical engineer before any improvements are made to the park's bandshell.
A proposal has been made to create an international design competition to generate ideas for revitalizing the Greeley Park bandshell, a public stage heavily used by local groups for seasonal performances.
Tracy Pappas of Swart Terrace told members of the aldermanic Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee that the walls and windows of her house sometimes shake when amplifiers are being used by performers.
While she supports the proposed legislation drafted by Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly, Pappas stressed that an acoustical engineer should be included in the project. Pappas said she often enjoys listening to the musical entertainment in the evenings, but there is sometimes excessive amplification.
In addition, Pappas said that “12-hour blast-a-thons” at the bandshell are not appropriate when the stage is located next to such a residential area.
“I don't think this site here is an appropriate place to put a bandshell,” maintained Bob Burgess of Bates Drive. “We've got to take a strong look at this.”
Rather than investing money to make improvements to the 24-year-old bandshell, he argued that perhaps a different bandshell should be built in a less residential area.
Pressly agreed that not only should the aesthetics of the bandshell be updated, but also the acoustics. She encouraged neighbors to get involved with the project.
“The thing with this legislation is that it is a new and different and creative way of seeking suggestions,” said Pressly, stressing there is no monetary commitment associated with the design competition.
In a letter to his fellow committee members, Alderman Brian McCarthy, board president, suggested that the mayor's office appoint members to the design competition jury, as it did for the Nashua International Design Competition for the millyard.
The committee voted to allow the mayor's office to appoint members, and also agreed that an acoustical engineer be included in the process.
However, the committee did not vote on a final recommendation of the proposed resolution, instead tabling the motion until Pressly has time to review neighbor concerns.
Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.
A proposal has been made to create an international design competition to generate ideas for revitalizing the Greeley Park bandshell, a public stage heavily used by local groups for seasonal performances.
Tracy Pappas of Swart Terrace told members of the aldermanic Personnel Administrative Affairs Committee that the walls and windows of her house sometimes shake when amplifiers are being used by performers.
While she supports the proposed legislation drafted by Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly, Pappas stressed that an acoustical engineer should be included in the project. Pappas said she often enjoys listening to the musical entertainment in the evenings, but there is sometimes excessive amplification.
In addition, Pappas said that “12-hour blast-a-thons” at the bandshell are not appropriate when the stage is located next to such a residential area.
“I don't think this site here is an appropriate place to put a bandshell,” maintained Bob Burgess of Bates Drive. “We've got to take a strong look at this.”
Rather than investing money to make improvements to the 24-year-old bandshell, he argued that perhaps a different bandshell should be built in a less residential area.
Pressly agreed that not only should the aesthetics of the bandshell be updated, but also the acoustics. She encouraged neighbors to get involved with the project.
“The thing with this legislation is that it is a new and different and creative way of seeking suggestions,” said Pressly, stressing there is no monetary commitment associated with the design competition.
In a letter to his fellow committee members, Alderman Brian McCarthy, board president, suggested that the mayor's office appoint members to the design competition jury, as it did for the Nashua International Design Competition for the millyard.
The committee voted to allow the mayor's office to appoint members, and also agreed that an acoustical engineer be included in the process.
However, the committee did not vote on a final recommendation of the proposed resolution, instead tabling the motion until Pressly has time to review neighbor concerns.
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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.