Noise Advisory Board – April 8, 2024

Noise Advisory Board Meeting Recap: Shaping Asheville's Approach to Noise Concerns (April 8, 2024)

On April 8, 2024, the City of Asheville’s Noise Advisory Board (NAB) convened a virtual meeting to discuss priorities and strategies for addressing noise concerns within the city. The meeting, attended by Board members Reb Haslip (Chairperson), Jessica Thomason, Rick Freeman, Jeff Santiago, and David Ledger, along with City Liaison Councilwoman Antoinette Mosley and city staff Ty Justice and Ashley Stanley, primarily focused on preparing for an upcoming presentation to the Environment and Public Safety Committee (EPS) on May 28th.

A key decision made during the meeting was the unanimous approval of the minutes from a previous board gathering. Beyond that, the focus remained on strategic planning and discussion rather than formal votes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to identifying priorities for 2024, building on ideas previously generated during a board retreat. The ongoing challenge of noise complaints originating from multifamily housing units, which account for roughly 50% of all reported issues, was a central topic. Board members discussed potential solutions, including exploring the possibility of adding a representative from the multifamily community to the board – an idea proposed by Jeff Santiago. While any formal changes would require navigating the Boards and Commissions Committee process, involving the City Attorney’s office as clarified by Councilwoman Mosley, this suggestion highlighted a desire to better understand and address the unique challenges within these communities.

Beyond multifamily housing, addressing vehicular noise remained a high priority, with ongoing discussions about enforcement and signage. The board also considered broader topics such as revisiting a previous survey question on the effectiveness of the noise ordinance, exploring residential sound level limits, and examining construction noise regulations. A forward-thinking suggestion from Jessica Thomason was to investigate adding a public health perspective to the board, recognizing the documented impacts of noise on well-being. The discussion around signage revealed challenges with sandwich signs, prompting exploration of alternatives like banners or utilizing space below existing city signage.

There were no public comments received during this meeting, but the board's discussions reflect a commitment to engaging with the community and finding effective solutions. Several action items emerged from the meeting, ensuring continued progress on key issues. Jeff Santiago will continue his efforts regarding vehicular noise by working on a letter to Lieutenant McClanahan. Board members, including Haslip and Thomason, will collaborate with city staff to explore signage options. A crucial task for Reb Haslip and the broader board is preparing a presentation outlining their 2024 priorities and an assessment of the noise ordinance's effectiveness for the EPS Committee. Finally, Haslip will connect with Antoinette Mosley and Ben Woody to understand the process for potential board composition changes. Jessica Thomason will also investigate identifying contacts within the city with expertise in public health and acoustics, further demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach.

This meeting underscored the NAB's dedication to proactively addressing noise concerns within Asheville. Residents can expect further updates as the board prepares its presentation for the EPS Committee and continues to explore innovative solutions. The discussions highlighted a desire to refine existing strategies, consider broader perspectives (like public health), and potentially expand the board’s representation to better reflect the needs of all Asheville communities.