Feeling the noise: Massillon Councilman wants to talk about decibel levels in the city

Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent
·2 min read
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Massillon officials are discussing whether to set decibel limit in industrial sections of the city, which would put a cap on noise coming from businesses.
Massillon officials are discussing whether to set decibel limit in industrial sections of the city, which would put a cap on noise coming from businesses.

MASSILLON – A city councilman is looking at whether setting a decibel limit for industrial-zoned sections of the city makes sense, as doing so would put a cap on noise coming from a number of businesses.

Councilman Mark Lombardi, R-Ward 1, said the goal is to assist city residents who deal with frequent, loud and uncomfortable sound from nearby companies or factories.

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"This is something we want to get rolling on as soon as possible and find something that works for the entire city," said Lombardi, adding that a Health, Welfare and Building Regulation Committee meeting to discuss a noise proposal is slated for 6 p.m. April 29.

Lombardi said council will look at Canton's decibel level ordinance as an example. He does not expect Massillon to adopt anything that totally mirrors the neighboring city's law.

Mark Lombardi
Mark Lombardi

"We're going to look at Canton's ordinance and figure out what parts work here (in Massillon)," said Lombardi.

Legislation drafted by Lombardi is likely to be based on discussion via the April 29 meeting.

Massillon's dive into a decibel level proposal is not a kneejerk reaction to council's approval last week of a property replat for Bitdeer, according to Lombardi. However, that issue did seem to kick-start talks on noise.

"Bitdeer discussions have pointed out that we're lacking in this (noise) area," Lombardi said. "We're not targeting them (Bitdeer) in this. It's just trying to head things off in the future that may be extreme."

A few members of City Council agree that businesses within light-industrial (I-1) zoned areas should be capped at 50 decibels, said Lombardi, noting that suggestion will be part of ongoing debate.

Ted Herncane, the city's development director, said council should proceed cautiously so established businesses aren't affected negatively by a noise ordinance.

"We don't want to harm businesses that that are currently making a level of noise that does not impact anyone," he said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon councilman wants to set decibel limit for area businesses