Noise Committee Established in Harwich Following Resident Complaints

HARWICH – Following increased noise complaints and concerns from area residents, Harwich selectmen have established an ad hoc noise containment committee.

The committee is designed to mitigate the noise created by live music being played at outdoor entertainment venues and to prevent it from disturbing area residential neighborhoods close to commercial districts.

Complaints from residents have increased over the past few years to selectmen and the police department of noise either being too loud, played too late, or a combination of the two.

Chairman of the Select Board Larry Ballantine established the seven-member committee on June 10. The committee will consist of three representatives of the business community, four residents at large and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Williams.

The committee will remain until December of 2020.

“I think it’s clear to us now that from discussions, we’re all hoping to have a committee that has wide enough representation so we can reach some compromise that allows our important businesses to stay in Harwich, but also provides some comfort to people who live in the neighborhood,” Ballantine said.

Early discussion by the committee on the parameters of where, when, and how loud sound can be played has been encouraged.

“I think it’s important to form this committee and to hear what the folks who live in the neighborhoods have to say, I’m one of those,” said Selectman Stephen Ford.

“I think it’s also very important for them to sit down with the business owners and get a real true understanding of what they see is the value and the importance of having the outside music. I believe we’re one of the few towns that allow it, so it’s a plus for the establishments.”

Selectman Donald Howell says he estimates the committee to take anywhere from four to six weeks to fill all of its seats. Interested candidates for the committee must apply through the board of selectmen and interview with the board’s interview subcommittee.

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center