Residents ask Charlestown to press DEM for 'no loud music' signs at Burlingame Park; council backs resolution

A group of Burlingame picnic‑area neighbors told the Charlestown Town Council on Oct. 28 that the site has seen increasing incidents of loud amplified music and disorderly behavior during peak summer months, and the council unanimously approved a resolution urging the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to post 'please keep noise to a minimum / respect the neighbor' signs.

Resident Stesha Heiler, who said she lives directly across the street from the picnic area, recounted repeated incidents of people bringing large sound systems and playing loud music late into the evening. She told the council she was advised by DEM police not to confront visitors and that the Charlestown Police respond when called; she said the group would be willing to buy and install signage if it helps. "All we're looking for is a couple of signs just to give it a try," she said.

Councilors discussed enforcement limits on state‑managed property (DEM) and the town’s past difficulties enforcing a decibel‑based ordinance (calibration and enforcement concerns). Several members suggested expanding the resolution to ask DEM not only to post signs but to increase on‑site presence, though the council agreed to draft a second, broader resolution addressing DEM staffing at a future meeting.

The council waived reading of the solicitor’s draft resolution, approved the signage resolution by unanimous voice vote and agreed to craft additional language for a follow‑up resolution addressing enforcement or staffing concerns at the next meeting.