Good morning councilors and city leadership,
I’ve written in the past, requesting common-sense noise ordinances for Watertown. We still get woken up by 5 a.m. dumpster maintenance on Pleasant St. and the systems on top of labs and other buildings still dominate the river landscape along Watertown.
A Google search leads to noise dampeners that are widely available- and in fact these quieting systems are in place in our neighboring towns (like Waltham).
This morning at Watertown Dam, the rush of water and sounds of birds are impossible to hear over the blasting of the mechanical system on the roof of 64 Pleasant st. (See video below).
This is an important place for wildlife breeding and migration and for people to feel connected to nature. This is a depressing impact that is not hard to remedy. I’m asking the council to please immediately put in noise ordinances that ensure nighttime rest for people and wildlife and a common-sense noise limit during daytime that does not drown out all other sounds.
Sincerely,
Cedar Pruitt
A reminder, we are trying something new with comments. In addition to signing your full name, please indicate where you live or how you describe yourself, such as Watertown Resident, former Watertown Resident, from Waltham, etc. That way people can get an idea “where you are coming from,” both literally and figuratively.
Thanks,
Charlie Breitrose, Watertown News Editor
About a year ago I inquired about this noise problem.
In the Spring of 2024 I sent a number of emails to various government individuals
including Mayor Fuller, DCR Commissioner Arrigo and Watertown City Manager Proakis. I also communicated with Susan Albright of the Newton City Council.
I never received a reply for the DCR office. I received replies, but little support, from Mayor Fuller or Councilor Albright.
A representative from the Watertown City Manager’s Office, Abbey Myers, did follow up.
The bottom line of her reply was that the noise levels were below the threshold for any regulatory intervention.
I also inquired about the light emanating from the windows of the unoccupied lab building across the Charles River from our street. This light is very intrusive, especially when there is no foliage. I suspect the constant light is also disruptive to wildlife. The concerns were also not addressed.
Happy to share copies of my correspondence.
Bob Peterfreund
130 Fessenden Street
Newton