Some noise is a part of life in Lambertville
By: Mae Rhine
While we sympathize with residents disturbed by the sound of neighbors working early, and sometimes late, on home projects and repairs, we think the City Council is going a bit far in considering that a reason to amend its noise ordinance.
Right now, most loud noises, particularly those generated by heavy machinery, are prohibited between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. although homeowners have until 10 p.m. for their own projects.
The city is thinking about changing that to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and, possibly, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and holidays.
Weekends and holidays often are the only times those who have a job can work on their property. And in the heat, many like to get started and finish early.
That also goes for construction workers and others who work outside. They need to start as early as possible in the summer because of the heat and also because there’s usually more work than in the winter.
Starting later could mean the work takes longer and costs more.
Here’s a thought, too. Garages aren’t the quietest businesses in town. What if the gas station wasn’t open yet on the day your family decided to leave early for the shore or some other destination because it "disturbed" the neighbors?
We know some people like to sleep late on holidays and weekends. We know others like to be able to relax without being disturbed by the noise of neighbors working on their houses.
But others like to get up early and get started on projects they haven’t had a chance to tackle because of a full-time job or other responsibilities.
While we sympathize with Councilman Steve Stegman who complained about being disturbed by a neighbor who worked on a project during a holiday "all day long," we applaud Councilwoman Cynthia Ege who said she will not support amending the noise ordinance.
Lambertville residents live in a city, albeit a tiny one, and noise is a part of everyday life there.

