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Harpers Ferry residents press council on cross-jurisdiction noise; motion to send representative to Bolivar fails
Summary
Residents raised complaints about nighttime noise from a business in neighboring Bolivar. Council heard multiple updates and offers to represent residents at Bolivar, but a motion to send a council representative to Bolivar failed.
Residents told the Harpers Ferry Town Council on Jan. 13 that noise from a business across the municipal border in Bolivar has driven neighbors from their homes and degraded quality of life. The council discussed intergovernmental options and whether a council member should attend a Bolivar meeting to raise the matter.
Resident Jesse Belgy thanked the mayor and council for engagement on the issue and said he planned to present concerns to the Bolivar council. Councilman George Owens and other members described ongoing contacts with Bolivar officials and the Bolivar mayor and offered to join Jesse in that outreach. Councilmember Roberta McTary said the town should request Bolivar records, such as any change-of-use permit or conditions placed on the site's approval, so Harpers Ferry can better understand enforcement options.
Councilman George Owens offered to represent Harpers Ferry at the Bolivar Town Council meeting and listen to discussions concerning noise from the business. Council took a voice vote on the motion to have a council representative attend. The motion failed (opposed votes were recorded and the chair announced "Motion failed"). No formal inter-municipal enforcement action was taken by Harpers Ferry at the meeting.
Why it matters: Noise and land-use compatibility raised in this discussion affect Harpers Ferry residents living near Bolivar’s boundary. Council members described limited jurisdiction across municipal boundaries and encouraged residents to seek Bolivar engagement; they also recommended requesting records from Bolivar to see whether conditions were imposed at time of any change-of-use approvals.
What happens next: Council members said residents may attend Bolivar meetings and that Harpers Ferry officials will continue informal communications with Bolivar and review any permit records the neighboring town can provide. There was no formal Harpers Ferry delegation approved by the council at this meeting.
