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Resident urges noise study, wall redesign after measurements show up to 70 dB at Alman Avenue
Summary
A College Park resident asked the council to require new noise studies and engineering for an inadequate sound wall along Alman Avenue, citing private measurements peaking at 70 dB and requesting plantings, rubberized asphalt and changes to abatement cost schedules.
Lucy Jackson, a resident near Alman Avenue, presented an eight-page packet and said the existing sound wall between Asser and Jasmine Circle is inadequate to protect neighbors from freeway noise. Jackson told the council she had performed her own noise readings and said "for one day the values were up to 70 dB," which she said exceeds local standards and HUD guidance for outdoor noise exposure.
Jackson asked the city to commission formal noise studies; direct public-works engineer review of the wall design to meet federal handbooks; planting trees; and exploring rubberized asphalt in future highway maintenance to reduce tire/road noise. She also asked the city to consider allowing higher fences between homes as a near-term mitigation measure.
Council members thanked Jackson for the detailed submission and staff engagement over the past year. The mayor asked staff to follow up and provided general support for bringing the matter back to a council agenda so the city can prioritize and sequence responses, noting some suggestions may be quick to implement while others require coordination with Caltrans or freeway agencies.
Staff response: the mayor said the city would return with a staff summary and next steps at a future meeting; no formal council vote took place.
