LETTERS: NOISE ORDINANCE WOULD BE WELCOME

To the editor:

It was gratifying to read in Wednesdays Missourian that the City Council is considering a new noise ordinance that could bring relief to the beleaguered downtown area. And, hats off to concerned citizen John Eck, who recognized that the noise pollution problem is getting worse and did something about it. He found a noise ordinance from another community and gave it to the appropriate city officials, who took notice. Isnt this a great way to solve problems? Citizens speak, officials listen and take action. Thanks, John.

Excessive noise is a major problem for the thousands of residents who make the downtown area their home. In addition to the lovely, historic homes, there are scores of apartments above most of the shops along Broadway, Main Street and their feeder streets where people raise their families and enjoy a unique lifestyle unavailable anywhere else. To them, the downtown area is their neighborhood. Not only can downtowners walk to their jobs, but their churches, grocery, drug store, restaurants, shops, school, or university are just a few steps away. Where else can you walk the dog, pay the utility bill and even drop in on a City Council meeting without ever leaving the neighborhood? And, where else can you find real estate with the historical significance, old-style craftsmanship and down-to-earth value? Besides homes, there are many other noise-sensitive facilities in the downtown area such as churches, nursing homes, day-care centers, grade schools, bed and breakfasts, motels, medical facilities and radio, TV, recording and advertising studios, where an unwanted noise is not only a nuisance but an expense.

In addition to squealing tires, illegal straight-pipe motorcycles and the occasional barking dog, downtowners are increasingly having to put up with high-powered car stereos that can even be heard inside our homes and businesses. The bass notes are so powerful that our windows vibrate, and delicate cups and saucers tumble from their shelves. It gives a whole new meaning to "shake, rattle and roll." This new ordinance is needed. It will give our police the teeth they need, and it will return peace and quite to our historic downtown area.

STEVE ROBERTSON

Cape Girardeau