Late‑filed siren ordinance withdrawn after committee objects to breadth of proposal

A late‑filed, broadly worded ordinance that would have permitted the sounding of non‑emergency bells or sirens for up to three minutes in any seven‑day period prompted sharp debate in the Holyoke Ordinance Committee on March 24 and was withdrawn by its sponsors.

Counselor Talheimer and others said the text was overly broad and could allow a private signal to be sounded near residences at the expense of neighbors' peace. "That really is, uh, it was very broad," one councilor said, arguing the draft failed to specify narrowly targeted circumstances and that such orders should not be rushed as emergency late files.

Opponents pointed to selective enforcement concerns and to residents for whom sudden loud noises can cause harm, including people with sensory sensitivities and residents of income‑restricted senior housing in the affected neighborhood. Supporters of restoring the historic siren noted its cultural value, but committee members landed on process and scope as the governing concerns.

The committee granted leave to withdraw the late‑filed sound order and also granted a leave to withdraw for a zone‑change application (131–133 Westfield Road) that a constituent had filed in error; members requested that the $100 filing fee be reimbursed to the applicant and approved that request without prejudice in case future filings are needed.

The committee adjourned after completing the evening’s remaining business.