From: "glenn eugster"
To: "Roger Blakeley", "Hassan Aden"
Cc: "Gwen Diggs", "Allen & Nancy Jennings" , "Dennis and Lynn Carroll" , "Kirk Kincannon"
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2008 2:42:37 PM
Subject: More Noise Ordinance Violations at Ft. Ward Park Yesterday
Dear Roger and Hassan,
I am writing to you because my calls to the Police Department yesterday and this morning, about this matter, have not been returned.
Yesterday for at least four (4) hours we had excessive levels of noise coming from the picnic pavilion near Braddock Road and St. Stephens/ St. Agnes School. Evidently more than 200 people, and many more cars than spaces, filled the picnic area and park roads. The group had sound equipment which they used for speeches and music which could be heard inside the homes of Ellicott Street more than 1,000 feet away from the area.
My neighbors and I have communicated with each of you about these park events and the one yesterday was worse than the three earlier ocassions this summer. Unfortunately we seem to be losing ground working with you and our homeowners are wondering: 1) why the park managers can be better neighbors, and: 2) why the police officers can't enforce the City's Noise Ordinance.
Yesterday was especially troubling given the number of calls we made to the non-emergency Police Department telephone line. At least five calls were made about the noise levels and nothing was done. In fact some of the officer indicated that the police "have no real basis for enforcement of what is happening at Ft. Ward Park" and that "the Parks Department Noise Permit gives park users the right to make as much noise as they like to". I was told that "the noise would end at 8:00 pm when the permit expired".
I don't believe that the Ft. Ward Park Noise Permit, as currently written implements, or even references, the City Noise Ordinance. I'm also certain from past problems we have encountered with park users, and from comments park managers have made, that the Ft. Ward Park permit managers are not enforcing any users limits on noise.
I understand that both of you have many important things to do in our city. However, many of us in this neighborhood continue to get the sense that Fort Ward Park is poorly managed and, at least on weekends, is often out of control. On behalf of our residents I ask that you take a personal interest to find ways to make sure that Ft. Ward Park managers and users comply with the City Noise Ordinance. It's important that the park managers, park users and our homeowners quickly find a way to enjoy the park while respecting the people's rights and their quality of life.
Given that it is only the second week of July and we have many summer weekends to enjoy within the park, our backyards and in our homes I hope that you will take some additional time and make solving this problem a priority. If it would be helpful for us to bring our concerns to our elected officials please let me know and we will do so quickly.
Thanks for your time and attention to this matter.
Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street
To: "Roger Blakeley"
Cc: "Gwen Diggs"
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2008 2:42:37 PM
Subject: More Noise Ordinance Violations at Ft. Ward Park Yesterday
Dear Roger and Hassan,
I am writing to you because my calls to the Police Department yesterday and this morning, about this matter, have not been returned.
Yesterday for at least four (4) hours we had excessive levels of noise coming from the picnic pavilion near Braddock Road and St. Stephens/ St. Agnes School. Evidently more than 200 people, and many more cars than spaces, filled the picnic area and park roads. The group had sound equipment which they used for speeches and music which could be heard inside the homes of Ellicott Street more than 1,000 feet away from the area.
My neighbors and I have communicated with each of you about these park events and the one yesterday was worse than the three earlier ocassions this summer. Unfortunately we seem to be losing ground working with you and our homeowners are wondering: 1) why the park managers can be better neighbors, and: 2) why the police officers can't enforce the City's Noise Ordinance.
Yesterday was especially troubling given the number of calls we made to the non-emergency Police Department telephone line. At least five calls were made about the noise levels and nothing was done. In fact some of the officer indicated that the police "have no real basis for enforcement of what is happening at Ft. Ward Park" and that "the Parks Department Noise Permit gives park users the right to make as much noise as they like to". I was told that "the noise would end at 8:00 pm when the permit expired".
I don't believe that the Ft. Ward Park Noise Permit, as currently written implements, or even references, the City Noise Ordinance. I'm also certain from past problems we have encountered with park users, and from comments park managers have made, that the Ft. Ward Park permit managers are not enforcing any users limits on noise.
I understand that both of you have many important things to do in our city. However, many of us in this neighborhood continue to get the sense that Fort Ward Park is poorly managed and, at least on weekends, is often out of control. On behalf of our residents I ask that you take a personal interest to find ways to make sure that Ft. Ward Park managers and users comply with the City Noise Ordinance. It's important that the park managers, park users and our homeowners quickly find a way to enjoy the park while respecting the people's rights and their quality of life.
Given that it is only the second week of July and we have many summer weekends to enjoy within the park, our backyards and in our homes I hope that you will take some additional time and make solving this problem a priority. If it would be helpful for us to bring our concerns to our elected officials please let me know and we will do so quickly.
Thanks for your time and attention to this matter.
Glenn Eugster
4022 Ellicott Street
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