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Acoustics firm suggests lower‑cost fix for Henry Wilbur HVAC noise; landscaping replacements underway
Summary
Committee members heard that an acoustical engineer recommended a less‑expensive noise mitigation alternative for the Henry Wilbur HVAC units, while landscape warranty work has replaced several shrubs; further evaluation and potential cost recovery were discussed.
Needham’s Permanent Public Building Committee discussed progress on a noise complaint at the Henry Wilbur building and landscaping warranty work during its June 9 meeting.
Committee members reported that acoustic consultant Lawrence Copley examined the site and suggested an alternative sound‑dampening approach that may be less expensive than prior recommendations. The committee said the unit was modeled to meet a 40‑decibel threshold at the property line but is currently producing roughly 57 decibels at the property line; Mitsubishi and Trane representatives verified the equipment is operating within manufacturer parameters. Committee members agreed to return the issue to the engineers for evaluation of Copley’s proposal and to pursue a solution first, addressing costs and any later reimbursement steps as appropriate.
Separately, landscaping warranty work has replaced the previously failing alders (referred to in materials as "alabite" replacement in the meeting); punch‑list items remain and landscapers were scheduled to return to finish additional replacements and warranty work.
Why it matters: the noise level on site exceeds the threshold used in the project’s modeling; committee members emphasized finding a fix that reduces community impact while minimizing cost. The committee did not allocate new funds at the meeting; members said they will pursue a solution and address pay/reimbursement after the technical remedy is agreed.
The committee also noted the commissioning consultant will perform a summer recommissioning focused on cooling season operation to verify and address remaining HVAC issues.
No formal motions were recorded beyond routine project oversight directions to return proposals and technical reports to the committee.
