Council narrows waterfront noise exemptions and raises penalties in noise ordinance update

The Middletown Common Council on Oct. 7 amended the municipal noise ordinance to add specific waterfront properties to the exceptions list while simultaneously increasing fines for violations.

The council adopted a targeted exceptions change that names specific properties (addresses on River Road and DeCovin Drive) and updated allowable hours for those sites; the item passed after roll call. Council later adopted a separate amendment raising penalties: first offense $100, and $250 for each subsequent offense, with each day/night constituting a separate offense.

During public comment earlier in the meeting residents from neighboring Portland and local neighborhoods said the primary concern was enforcement and decibel levels. Virginia Duclos asked whether decibel levels would be enforced and what happens “after numerous complaints”; Janet Ellsworth and other residents recounted repeated incidents where police temporarily reduced volume but problems resumed. Council members and staff did not take testimony at length during the ordinance vote but acknowledged resident concerns about enforcement mechanisms.

What changed: The exemptions vote adds enumerated properties to the exception list and the penalties vote increases fines and establishes each day/night as a separate offense for purposes of repeated violations. The council recorded the votes on the floor and adopted both sections by roll call.

Next steps: Enforcement will remain with city staff and police; the updated penalty structure and exceptions will be codified in the municipal code. Residents and council members said they expect the city to clarify enforcement and decibel standards in follow‑up communications.