I have lived one mile from the Merriweather Post Pavilion/Symphony Woods venue for the past 24 years. The concert noise rattles my double-paned windows, destroys the quiet enjoyment of my house, both outside and in, and doesn't stop until 11 p.m. or later. The booming sound precludes entertaining family and friends in our yard and on our deck and porch.
It interferes with listening indoors (piano, TV, computer and CDs); reading; and sleep.
Residents should not have to wear active noise canceling headphones; instead, let audiences wear hearing devices if they want more volume. Require promoters and anyone else, who profits from these events, to provide them.
Columbia residents deserve independent monitoring and full disclosure of acoustic levels and impacts, along with precise information about who benefits from these events and where they live. The noise levels are damaging to residents, to audiences who are progressively deafened by the noise pollution and to wildlife.
If other Columbia residents made such loud noises, they would be charged with disturbing the peace. If they rattled my windows, they would be considered trespassers.
Why are we, Merriweather's neighbors, continually bullied by rock "concert" interests? This has been going on for far too many years now and, apparently, there is no serious consideration of relief for us. That is inexcusable.
Do we have a right to peace in our own homes or not?
And can we ever hear a symphony in Symphony Woods again?
Carol Galbraith
Columbia