The Merrimack Town Council meeting on December 5, 2024, focused on several key issues, including scheduling for upcoming applicant interviews and addressing community concerns regarding construction noise disturbances.

The council discussed the scheduling of interviews for applicants, proposing two dates—January 2 and January 7—depending on the number of applicants. If there are more than three applicants, the interviews will be spread over two nights; otherwise, they will be conducted in a single session starting at 6 PM.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by resident Jean Jelinas, who raised concerns about ongoing construction noise from a large development near Reeds Ferry School. Jelinas described the noise from rock crushing and heavy machinery as \"obnoxious,\" particularly affecting his ability to rest after night shifts as a nurse. He highlighted the lack of a sound ordinance in Merrimack, which limits residents' ability to address such disturbances legally.

Jelinas expressed frustration over the developers' unwillingness to engage with residents about the noise issues, stating that attempts to communicate with them were met with hostility. He proposed that the town consider implementing a noise ordinance similar to those in other municipalities, which could provide residents with a basis for addressing excessive noise.

Council members acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of regulatory authority over noise from construction activities, especially for projects that were approved under older regulations. They discussed the possibility of changing site plan regulations to include specific hours of operation and noise restrictions for future developments. However, they noted that enforcement of such regulations could be complex.

The council expressed a commitment to exploring the issue further, with some members advocating for a comprehensive noise ordinance to protect residents' quality of life. The discussion underscored the need for the town to balance development with the well-being of its residents, particularly as Merrimack continues to grow.

In conclusion, the council plans to revisit the topic of noise regulations and consider potential solutions to address residents' concerns, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping future development policies.