Noise Advisory Board – September 9, 2024

Noise Advisory Board Meeting Recap: Addressing Asheville's Growing Noise Concerns (September 9, 2024)

The City of Asheville's Noise Advisory Board (NAB) convened on September 9, 2024, to discuss ongoing noise concerns within the city and explore potential solutions. This meeting provided a valuable update on current trends, ongoing challenges, and future initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Asheville residents. The NAB, it's important to remember, serves in an advisory capacity and does not directly enforce noise ordinances. Their recommendations inform city policy and encourage citizen engagement to address these issues.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a noticeable increase in noise complaints, particularly related to vehicle noise. Compliance Officer Chris O’Brien reported a rise in both Asheville Police Department (APD) reports and complaints submitted through the city's app. Discussions centered on how to address this, with board members recognizing that encouraging citizen reporting is crucial given the NAB’s limited enforcement power. The board unanimously agreed to support a social media campaign, planned in collaboration with the city’s communications department (Cape), to raise awareness and encourage residents to document noise violations. Scheduling for this campaign is still being finalized, but it represents a proactive step towards gathering data and informing potential policy changes.

Beyond vehicle noise, the board also discussed several other key issues. They acknowledged ongoing challenges with construction noise at a specific address, requiring coordination between property owners and tenants. A discussion regarding limitations on Saturday construction hours was initiated, with the board planning a future meeting with legal counsel to explore potential ordinance adjustments. The feasibility of noise cameras, costing an estimated $13,500 per unit plus ongoing monitoring expenses, was also explored but deemed impractical at this time due to cost and implementation challenges. Board member Jay Sanders raised a particularly pertinent point about citizen apathy regarding vehicular noise, suggesting exploring ways to empower residents to document instances with photos and videos.

Several important action items emerged from the meeting, demonstrating a commitment to addressing these concerns. A working group comprised of Jessica Thomason, Bruce Cycleheimer, and Rick Freeman will develop a public survey to gauge citizen perceptions of noise issues. Chris O’Brien, along with Mark Martini, will finalize details for the social media campaign. Furthermore, Jessica Thomason is tasked with identifying a suitable candidate from multifamily housing to fill an open board position. Jay Sanders will research how other municipalities are tackling similar noise challenges, particularly concerning low-frequency noise and citizen reporting. Finally, Rick Freeman will investigate the possibility of involving citizens in data collection using sound level meters and cameras – a potentially innovative approach to gathering evidence.

The meeting concluded without any public comments, but the discussions highlighted a shared concern among board members about addressing Asheville’s growing noise concerns. The NAB's focus on citizen engagement, data-driven decision-making (as emphasized by Chairperson Reb Hazlip), and exploring innovative solutions demonstrates a commitment to improving the city’s soundscape. Residents can expect further updates as these action items progress, and are encouraged to utilize the city's app or contact APD to report noise violations. The upcoming public survey will provide a valuable opportunity for residents to share their experiences and contribute to the development of effective noise mitigation strategies.