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WILTON, Conn. Gary Gerard thinks Wilton could stand to be more like Larchmont, N.Y., when it comes to dealing with noise.
Larchmonts code, he said, completely restricts noise from certain machinery, including leaf blowers and lawn mowers, during certain hours of the day. It doesnt even get into decibels. It just says no during certain hours, said Gerard, one of several residents who would like the town to possibly create a noise ordinance.
It might be the only way for him to enjoy some quiet on the weekends at his home, located near the Silvermine Golf Course. Gerard said he and other neighbors have had to deal with noise from leaf blowers and other machinery from the course for years and officials at the club have not been helpful in addressing his concerns.
Other than calling the police department every weekend, I dont know what else Im supposed to do unless Wilton changes hours permitting such noise, either within the current zoning section on noise or somewhere, said Gerard, one of two residents who spoke Monday during a Board of Selectmen public input session. The towns top board is trying to determine whether the town needs a formal document to deal with noise complaints. Several neighboring towns have ordinances on the books.
Resident Karen Tell of Whipstick Road complained about neighbors with crowing roosters. She would like a policy on the books. The policies ought to be clear and concise for everybody in town, Tell said.
First Selectman William Brennan said he wants to be careful before creating an ordinance and he wonders whether some rules that were less than an ordinance could be enacted. He also discussed civil discourse to resolve bothersome situations.
The town plans to investigate rules in other towns and the cost of enforcing an ordinance, such as buying decibel readers and training employees to use them. The board will continue discussions at its next meeting.
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