What is that noise?!? That is the single most popular question I’ve had for the past two days? Most of us who live on the Isthmus don’t have central air and leave our windows open for the breeze. However, for the past few nights, people all over the Isthmus, Sherman Avenue, E. Dayton, N. Livingston, E. Gorham, E. Mifflin, Few St. and others have been forced to shut their windows and try to drown out that sound of metal pounding on metal.
So, what is it and where is it coming from?
Campus/Murray St. And worse yet, I found out the council unanimously approved the all-night-long noise, in early June. Never did I imagine that when I approved noise for W Dayton, W Johnson and University Ave that I would have complaints from as far away as Sherman Ave or the 900 block of E Dayton.
How much longer will it last?
Our City Engineer Larry Nelson says:
I talked to Findorff and they say Sunday night the pile driving will be done. However, Terra Engineering, the subcontractor doing the work is hopeful that they will conclude the work by Thursday night.
What’s the theory on why there are complaints far away, but not closer to the site?
Our City Engineer Larry Nelson says:
We are not getting complaints in the immediate area of the construction but rather a considerable distance away. This must be the frequency of the sound of the pile hammer.
Why is it necessary?
Traffic.
Lessons Learned!
1. Noise travels in an interesting way throughout the Isthmus, especially with the lakes. I have to say, its odd I don’t hear the noise downstairs in my house with all the street noise, but when I go upstairs, I clearly hear it and I live on the 500 block of E Mifflin. It doesn’t bother me, but its interesting how irritating it is once you start hearing it. It’s like being at a concert and dancing on squeaky chairs, you don’t notice it until someone points it out and then its all your brain hears.
2. Ask more questions before approving pneumatic hammers as noise after 7 pm or before 7 am. Even when it is two alder districts away.
