Neighbors press Wissahickon board over loud middle‑school chiller; residents question consulting work

Several residents told the Wissahickon School District board on Dec. 1 that noise from a middle‑school chiller remains a persistent health and quality‑of‑life concern despite earlier mitigation efforts.

"To date, 33 complaints have been filed with the township police," said a resident, who described the chiller running from early morning through evening during the April–November season and asserted the noise is audible across yards and playing fields. Speakers said acoustic blankets and an acoustic fence installed in 2024–2025 have not reduced perceived sound levels.

Residents questioned the methodology and timing of past sound testing, asking whether testing was performed at worst‑case conditions and why some measurements were taken early in the morning when outputs differ. They asked the board to preserve the option of relocating the trailer that houses the chiller to reduce neighborhood impact and to ensure that any mechanical-room work preserves previous relocation options.

Facilities staff noted two agenda items: a CHA Consulting proposal for a boiler replacement plan ($60,000) and a Pavion contract for intrusion detection hardware (not to exceed $57,495). Several residents objected to reengaging consultants whose prior advice they said did not resolve the issue, and asked for clearer warranties and scope in hardware proposals.

Next steps: The board acknowledged the concerns and said the facilities agenda items will be reviewed; staff agreed to follow up on warranty and testing‑methodology details.