EUSTIS – The town put limits on noise for residential, commercial and industrial land to protect the quality of life while also “welcoming new industry,” First Selectman Jay Wyman said Saturday.
The controls set specific decibel levels from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Daytime limits range from 55 to 70 decibels; nighttime from 45 to 60.
The restrictions are “so after work if you wanted to sit out on your deck you wouldn’t have to deal with screaming, howling noises,” Wyman said.
The article passed in a “very close vote,” after a few defeated counter-motions, including one to lengthen the “day” limits until 6:30 p.m., and one to table the article altogether.
Nearly 50 taxpayers attended the annual meeting, Wyman said.
The meeting was well attended, said town Clerk Kathy Fearon. “I’m surprised we had as many people present as we did,” she said. “For us it’s almost a record.”
According to Wyman, roughly 15-20 high school students attending as part of an academic requirement, in addition to the almost 50 taxpayers. The meeting “went fairly well,” Wyman said. “There was a normal amount of discussion but not a whole lot.”
All articles regarding 2006 spending passed, bringing the budget up to $581,559.99, or about $69,510 more than in 2005. Wyman said one reason for the increase, in addition to spending on fuel and insurance, is that Eustis went over budget in a few areas last year.
“It looks like a big jump, but you’re trying to make up for two years,” he said, as in 2006 the town not only needs to expect to spend as much as it did in 2005, it also has to pay back the amount it went over budget last year.
Two articles toward the end of the meeting proposed rezoning land. While the first passed, the second article did not after the person who originally proposed the change said he had changed his mind about what he wanted to do with the land.
Finally, the town comprehensive plan, which was voted down last year “went through without any discussion” Saturday, Wyman said.
“Overall it went well,” Wyman reiterated. “A few people might have been upset about the noise,” limit vote, he added, but if down the road people want to change it, “we’ll try to find a happy medium,” he said. “It’s not set in concrete.”
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