Leesburg resident asks council to relocate downtown piano, cites late-night noise

Tim Rumpfel, a downtown Leesburg resident of 38 years, told the Town Council on July 22 that the town’s recently installed public piano near Melvin Jackson Park is generating persistent noise that has affected his ability to rest.

"It's ruining my peace of mind," Rumpfel said, describing repeated late-night and early-morning pounding on the instrument. He told the council he provided the town with an email of suggestions from professional piano technicians on ways to suppress sound and suggested relocating the piano to a more family-oriented area.

Rumpfel told the council the piano is about 20 yards from his bedroom and living room and said the users included children but also people who pound on the piano at 2 a.m. He said he had discussed the matter with Councilmember Steinberg prior to the meeting and asked the council to consider moving or modifying the instrument.

Mayor Burke responded that the council would read Rumpfel's email and "try to see what we can do to help that situation," and offered well wishes for his health. Rumpfel said he has recently been diagnosed with late-stage illness and that ongoing noise has compounded his concern; he asked the council for relief.

Council members did not take a formal vote on the piano location at the meeting. Staff and council said they would review the emailed suggestions and consider options, including potential relocation or sound mitigation measures.