I don't know whether to laugh or scream as I read Mr. Kennedy's comments about the noise and health nuisance Merriweather Post Pavilion has become since 2013 ("Merriweather sound levels raising questions," May 19).
Since I have friends who have to leave their homes on weekends and I'm aware of others who want or need to move to get away from what he calls "part of the Columbia experience," I choose to be irritated to no end by Mr. Kennedy, Merriweather, [County Executive] Allan Kittelman (who voted to increase the decibels) and others who have known for months that the noise level is out of control and choose to do nothing about it.
[Former County Executive] Liz Bobo was the only one with enough sense to vote against it and I applaud her.
Despite fielding some phone calls about noise over the weekend, Kennedy, the executive director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, said concerns were minimal with all readings well within the designated decibel range.
"I think the level that was arrived at through the legislative process is an accurate one," he said. "We're certainly hearing from a segment of residents, but there are a lot of people in Columbia who enjoy the background sound as part of the Columbia experience. Obviously, it has to be within safe levels." Not.
The Health Department, per Ramar Martin as told to a Columbia resident, has not been monitoring noise levels at Merriweather, at least not two weekends ago. He states they don't have enough personnel and on the weekends?
Here's another law that should rank higher than misguided politicians back in 2013.
The Code of Maryland, Environment, Section 3-102 states: "That the people of this State have a right to an environment that is free from any noise that: (i) May jeopardize their health, general welfare, or property; or (ii) Degrades the quality of their lives…
The Howard County Code Section 12.110 – Nuisances states: "A nuisance occurs on property when the person who owns or rents the property: . . . (iii) Allows activities to take place on the property which interfere with another's proper use or enjoyment of property."
Excessive noise is a health issue that affects sleep, hearing and stress levels. You have the right to the quiet enjoyment of your property. If you can't sleep on weeknights and you have to leave your homes on weekends thanks to Merriweather, please contact your legislators, call and complain to the Police Department and send your concerns to HoCoSoundSense@yahoogroups.com
Maria Alvarez
Columbia