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Board grants noise exemption for North Central Industries fireworks demonstration; neighbors ask for better notice
Summary
The board approved a noise-exemption for a May 10 fireworks demonstration at North Central Industries. Neighbors said the testing and mortar-style effects have rattled windows at prior events; the firm promised notification and the city's communications director said approved events are posted on city channels when received.
The Muncie Board of Public Works and Safety granted a noise exemption for May 10 to North Central Industries for a customer fireworks demonstration, and heard neighbors request better advance notice after some residents said prior events rattled windows.
Richard Shields, president of North Central Industries, described the event as a customer demonstration in which staff will explain and then fire product samples at dusk, with a possible five-minute finale. "We'll have security there. We'll also advise the neighbors. We'll put leaflets out," Shields said, adding he would notify nearby community centers and provide contact details.
A nearby resident, Jerry Waite, said he was not notified in past events at the fairgrounds and that large mortar effects had rattled his windows. "I've never seen a flyer, never seen anything," Waite said. "The explosives that they use are big enough to literally rattle our windows and, which I don't appreciate." Shields said some events are private training or vendor demonstrations and thus are not publicized widely; he offered to put Waite on a notice list for future events.
Amber Green, the city's director of communications, said events approved through the city that are submitted to her office are posted to the city's social media and website. "When they are going to be disruptive events, if they are sent to us ... I'm more than happy to get them out," Green said. She encouraged event organizers or residents to share notices with the communications office so neighbors can be alerted.
Board members moved and approved the noise-exemption request by voice vote. The company and a resident representative agreed to work on better neighbor notification for future events.
