The committee asked the planning department to draft new master-plan policies requiring sound mitigation measures and preservation or replacement of perimeter trees on developments near arterial roadways such as Route 100 and Route 109.

Why it matters: Residents near recent developments reported increased noise from arterial traffic and new roundabouts. Staff presented the findings of a sound study that showed higher decibel levels closer to arterials and recommended mitigation measures for future projects.

Planning staff summarized the study: for homes adjacent to arterial corridors the city required “additional sound mitigation steps in the construction of the homes, upgraded windows, doors, greater insulation” at Brightleaf to reduce interior noise. A staff member said the study confirmed higher sound levels near major corridors and recommended direct mitigation for developments within the measured distance thresholds.

Committee members asked for policy language that would: (1) require preservation of tree lines along arterial road frontages when feasible; (2) require developers to include sound-mitigation construction measures in homes located within the study’s threshold distances; and (3) require landscaping or berms where existing vegetation is removed. Miss McCutcheon, who led the proposal, said retaining the tree line and requiring mitigation would help protect quality of life for adjacent neighborhoods.

Staff said the Brightleaf developer agreed to insulated windows, increased insulation and to preserve the perimeter tree line. Committee members also requested that staff account for topography when applying any distance-based thresholds, since slopes and valleys can funnel sound to specific properties.

Closing: Staff will prepare two draft policy statements for the committee to review next meeting: one on sound mitigation for development adjacent to arterials and a second on tree-preservation/landscape requirements for perimeters of new developments.