Motocross Track Remains Silent in Lanesborough
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The Selectmen listened to his complaints and then referred him to the Board of Health that issued the order, which took no action to lift it.
Beaudoin, of North Main Street, said no tests of the track's noise has ever been taken. He asked that such tests be taken and, if they indicate excessive noise, he would not complain further.
The cease-and-desist order, however, is not based on noise levels, but that the noise was unreasonably interfering with his neighbors' comfortable enjoyment of their life and property.
Residents of North Main Street, Kessler Road, Greylock Road, Quarry Road and Scott Road had complained about noise from the track last year, prompting the ban on the its use.
The Board of Health seemed willing to permit Beaudoin's children to use the track but is reluctant to issue a permit because state law prohibits the use of such vehicles by children under 10 years of age. Board members said they will seek an opinion from town counsel with regard to that.
Beaudoin also complaind that he cannot use any motorized equipment for ordinary maintenence chores without incurring additional fines. However, the cease-and-desist order refers specifically to the motocross track only.
In related business, Robert Moore of 844 North Main St. presented a petition with 100 signatures asking that a noise-control ordinance be placed on the town ballot. A draft of such an ordinance was also submitted.
The Selectmen sadi the correct procedure for the adoption of a noise ordinance was to have a warrant article to be voted on at the next special or regular town meeting.
The consensus was that the members were in favor of having a warrant article at the next special town meeting and that the submitted petition was adequate for that. They asked Town Administrator Paul Boudreau to perfect a draft of a noise ordinance.
Boudreau said he had started to draft such an ordinance but did not complete it because there was no need to do so at that time. He said he would have a draft readied for review by the Selectmen.
If a petition, in proper form, with 200 signatures, requesting a special town meeting were presented, the Selectmen would be obliged by law to call one immediately.
Pittsfield and Dalton have noise ordinances.
Cable Forum
The Lanesborough Cable Committee with host a public forum with cable-television provider Charter Communications on Wednesday, June 25. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Selectmen's office in Town Hall, 83 North Main St.
Information provided by Lanesborough Concerned Citizens Newsletter. To receive the weekly newsletter with more Lanesborough news, e-mail ahartheimer@yahoo.com.
