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Residents report increased traffic noise after vegetation removal along Route 24; council to contact Rhode Island Energy
Summary
Residents told the council the removal of trees and brush along Route 24 has increased traffic noise and suggested off-site chipping or sound mitigation; the town said it will contact Rhode Island Energy for plans on vegetation replacement.
Several residents raised noise concerns linked to recent vegetation removal along Route 24 and Common Fence Point at the July 28 meeting, saying the clearing has exposed neighborhoods to louder traffic and that on-site wood chipping produces intense short-term noise.
Mel Gonzales (74 In Ariandel Boulevard) described the sound as disruptive: "When they're doing that with that grinding machine, it's just like, you can't even imagine it," Gonzales said, adding that the neighborhood hears heavy truck braking and motorcycles more loudly after removal of trees and shrubs.
Councilors said the state agency and Rhode Island Energy have responsibilities along the corridor. The council noted prior inquiries about so-called "jake braking" signs and that RIDOT had declined to re-install such signs on safety grounds; staff said they will reach out to Rhode Island Energy to ask about plans for vegetation replacement and any possible mitigation.
Gonzales suggested restricting on-site chipping in residential areas and moving chipping to industrial sites to reduce noise; council staff said they will ask Rhode Island Energy for timelines and for information on whether replacement plantings or other mitigations are planned.
Ending: Town staff pledged to contact Rhode Island Energy for details and to report back to council with any mitigation options or timelines for replanting.
