Noise Ordinance Passes

Story by Marsha Chwalik

 

When Berkeley County commissioners approved a final draft of the county’s noise ordinance, they opted not to exclude the Tomahawk Motocross Park in Hedgesville.On a three-to-two vote, commissioners approved an amended version of the noise ordinance that would prohibit noise exceeding 60 audible decibels between 7:00 in the morning and 10:00 at night.  It would also prohibit audible decibels of 55 decibels or greater between 10:00 at night and 7:00 in the morning in residential areas. Commissioners differed on one issue in particular – Commission President Ron Collins had wanted to let stand part of the proposed ordinance that would have exempted an existing Berkeley County motocross venue from the ordinance.  Collins said he does not feel the commission can pass an ordinance that will put a legal, tax paying business out of business.The Tomahawk Motocross Park had been the subject of numerous complaints from the public, and as Commissioner Bill Stubblefield, who opted against exempting the park pointed out, had been linked to a decrease in property values in neighboring homes.Stubblefield says exempting one business could lead to exempting other businesses, such as bars.Commission President Collins said even though he and his colleagues disagreed, their strong working relationship would prevent ill feelings.