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Oak Creek plan panel approves sound‑absorbing barrier at MG Foods
Summary
Plan commission approved site and architectural plans for a 12‑foot sound‑absorbing wall around chillers at MG Foods, citing neighbor complaints; plans must meet code and be submitted digitally for permit review.
The City of Oak Creek Plan Commission voted to approve site and architectural plans for a 12‑foot sound‑absorbing barrier around chiller compressors at MG Foods, 10303 S. Oakview Parkway.
The item, presented by Department of Community Development staff member Todd, responded to complaints from neighbors west of the Oakview Industrial Park. The commission’s approval included two written conditions: that all relevant code requirements remain in effect and that revised plans be submitted in digital format for department review before permit applications are filed.
Todd said the wall would be steel‑faced, white in color, filled with fiberglass and fire resistant, and would enclose chillers on three sides. An applicant representative described the system’s expected performance as "a 10 to 15 reduction in decibels," adding that "your ear hears a perception of 8, a minus 8, as half of the original sound." He also told commissioners no formal decibel readings had been taken at neighboring property lines. Commissioner Josie asked whether measurements had been made at neighbor properties; the applicant representative replied, "No. Not that I know of. We haven't taken any readings."
Neighbor Maria Milechko, 431 W. Oakwood Road, asked about the construction timeline; David Beaver, who identified himself as the applicant’s representative for record, said the applicant would submit engineering this week, material lead times are about 10–12 weeks and installation would take roughly two weeks once materials arrive.
During discussion commissioners said the barrier is a commonly used mitigation for outdoor chillers and likely to substantially reduce perceived low‑frequency noise. The motion to approve included a second by Commissioner Seifert; the roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Buzakowski, Commissioner Oldani, Commissioner Seifert, Commissioner Chandler and Chair Sullivan. The commission’s record names the approval as a site and architectural approval with the two conditions stated above.
The applicant may proceed to submit revised digital plans and then apply for building permits under the conditions of the approval.
