Timetable on Results Still Unknown
Mayor Jack Martins revealed last week that sound engineering consultants from all three parties involved in the Verizon noise issues visited the site recently and conducted noise tests. Martins visited the site briefly during the tests, but had to wait outside until the tests were completed.
According to Martins, although he tried to go there to monitor the tests, Verizon did not want anyone who wasn’t certified to participate or be present during the tests. Only the consultants were allowed inside the building.
Mineola’s sound abatement consultant Lally Acoustical was given access to the facility by Verizon and conducted its sound level tests while the generators, which residents have endlessly complained about, were on and off. Sound levels of compressors at the building and property lines were also tested.
“I’m comfortable having met with our consultants that we are in good hands,” Martins stated. “We spoke to them briefly while we were there and they said it’s clear the noise levels are beyond what they should be. Our task now is to work with the other consultants to come up with alternatives and listen to their feedback on the situation.”
All three parties are in the process of compiling information to move toward a sound solution. Timetables on the results of the tests are unknown at this time.
“We got to hear firsthand just how loud it was when they turned the machines on and off,” Martins said. “Certainly, having been that close to it helped. I’ve always heard it from 13th Avenue. I got to hear it right against the building. As loud as it sounds on the street, it was pretty loud on the property.”
Martins said he thinks the test results will show just how ample the noise is at the facility. He stated the second phase is getting together to engineer a means of sound screening and baffling.
“The issue is the noise obviously,” he said. “The next phase is coming up with the design to negate the noise. The noise will have to be reduced to acceptable levels for our residents.”
Thirteenth Avenue resident Susan Coyne has been in the thick of the Verizon noise issue and is pleased something is being done. She said she hopes positive and impactful results will come from these tests.
“It seems they’re working on it,” she said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Mayor Martins said he doesn’t know if more tests will be done and that retesting may not be needed. “My understanding is that they have readings and they will be comparing the other readings to see where a middle ground is on the noise level. Real steps to alternatives are the next step to mitigate the noise.”
