Residents complain about loud music

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One woman said calling the business has not resolved the problem.

By MARY GRZEBIENIAK

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Village officials agreed to look into residents' complaints about loud music from bands playing at Pizza Joe's on state Route 170.

Renee Wire and Susan George, both of Sycamore Drive, the street that runs alongside the business, complained of continuing problems this summer with the establishment at Monday night's village council session.

George said she and her husband had to leave their home for a few hours recently because the noise level was intolerable when a band played outside the business. She said the music is bothersome even when bands play inside because the doors are open.

Wire said that a recent Sunday afternoon live-band concert drove neighbors from their yards, and she said she fears the problems will continue next summer. She added that she also is concerned about youths in the parking lot with beer. George said neighbors have "tried to be civil about it" but said calling the business has not helped.

Meeting

Zoning Inspector Dale Miller said a zoning committee meeting will be set for October to discuss the problem. Police Chief William Morvay said residents should call the local police number, (330) 542-2234, when they experience problems. He said he will check the liquor and noise ordinances.

Wire noted that the zoning ordinance requires businesses to soundproof their buildings so noise does not bother residents.

But Mayor Robert Carson pointed out that if the building predates the ordinance, it falls under a grandfather clause and is not required to install soundproofing.

Miller said that while the zoning ordinance currently does not address decibel levels, a noise ordinance could be passed and it would affect even grandfathered properties.

Carson noted, however, that the owner is entitled to run a business on his commercial property and that the village needs to "try to strike a balance of what's fair."

Other business

Council also heard from consultant Dave Bakalar of Thomas Fok & Associates of Austintown that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is going to limit flood insurance to communities that adopt new FEMA guidelines that prohibit construction in flood prone areas.

Bakalar said the village may want to adopt the new rules.

In other business, council:

Approved a $2,460 change order on the village building remodeling project to construct a concrete masonry wall for a south access door. The additional work was needed because reinforced steel was discovered when a wall was removed.

Accepted the $48,126 low bid of Foust Construction, Youngstown, for Phase II of the storm-water project on Stacy Drive. The contract will be awarded after approval is received from Ohio Public Works Department.

Heard from Morvay, who also directs the street department, that Ward Avenue, Sandy Drive, Sandy Court and Meadowbrook Circle will be included in next spring's paving program.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006