Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-06-NAC-min.pdfNoise Advisory Committee January 6, 2026 Barbara Katzenberg called the meeting together at 7:03 PM (meeting held remotely) In attendance: Chair: Barbara Katzenberg, Select Board Liaison: Joe Pato, NAC Members: Benjamin Lees, Joseph Lehar, Laura Rosen, Elaine Rudell Public Guest: Doris Wong Clerk: Elaine Rudell 1) Announcements: Police Department hired an individual, fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, who will be monitoring and enforcing the noise bylaws. 2) Review of proposed letter to Planning about acoustic modeling for 475 Bedford Street proposed housing • Barbara Katzenberg drafted a letter for approval by the NAC. • There was concern expressed that the large number of heat pumps on the new building’s roofs will create unwarranted noise for neighbors and inhabitants of the buildings. The noise would come from the outdoor fans, compressor and cabinet vibration (to a lesser extent). • For this reason, a recommendation was made to have the Planning Board preemptively consider a formal acoustic study using the manufacturer’s data and other means, if needed, to assess the noise. Unlike construction noise that is temporary, these units would create ongoing noise. • Dr. Campbell, a knowledgeable acoustic expert, assessed the issue and made the following recommendations if it is found that the noise would be bothersome – mitigation options: (1) parapet barriers, (2) optimizing the roof layout, (3) selecting quieter, variable-speed units. It was also noted that as the units age, they can become noisier. • A motion was made (Elaine Rudell) to accept the letter with a minor tweak (additional verbiage indicating the noise could also impact inhabitants of the building. This was seconded by Benjamin Lee and unanimously approved. • A guest, Doris Wong, attended to hear the findings of the meeting. 3) Suggested work to be pursued by the NAC in 2026 • Barbara Katzenberg had provided NAC a comprehensive summary of actions taken during 2025. • The NAC was asked to think about actions to be taken in 2026 and some initial suggestions included: o Since the NAC had an opportunity in 2026 to have a number of noise experts present their findings to the group, it was suggested that we re -review the existing noise bylaws from a new more informed perspective and make any needed updates. o Work with the police department to get an idea of the challenges they face and how they are dealing with noise issues . o Determine any issues arising based on findings of the newly hired person who will be monitoring and enforcing the noise bylaws. o Review reported noise complaints and report findings to the Select Board. o Followup on how the new leaf blower requirements are being adopted 4) General Information session on noise occurring outside of the Town’s ability to regulate • Hanscom Airfield noise: how documented and reported, relevant regulatory bodies o Barbara Katzenberg provided an informative slide presentation addressing Hanscom airport including (1) operations (primarily private jets and training), (2) reliever for Logan, (3) strictly limited cargo and passenger flights, (4) now ICE deportation, charters, medical helicopters, and a small number of military missions o Barbara noted oversight of noise at Hanscom is done by the FAA, Massport, and inn accord with airplane industry guidelines. Citizens can complain via individual complaints (call in) or organized political action and there are some municipal zoning restrictions. Elaine noted that she had called the Hanscom complaint line on many occasions and never received a call back or email to address these complaints. o Elaine noted that the flight patterns over one area of Lexington result in numerous flights during the night and a number around 4 AM. When asked if there were restrictions after certain hours it appeared that there were none but there was a ridiculously low fee for flights running during the night, too low to be a deterrent. Elaine also noted that a small airport near her prior residence in n=New Jersey had restricted hours for flight over residential areas. Since the FAA oversees all airports, this should be a consideration for Hanscom as well. o After the NAC briefly discussed the noise imposed by the flights from Hanscom during the night and the fact that Dr. Hudda reported in a study that these planes also released ultra fine particle pollutants, public pressure could be applied in the form of a combined complaint regarding noise, air pollution, and impact on health to affect a policy change to place restriction on hours. • Interstate highway noise (example proposed bill to study highway noise in Bedford & Woburn https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3673) o Ken Gordon had proposed a bill to address the noise from highway 128 by building barriers in these districts. 5) A motion was made by Elaine to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Approved by all.