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Resident complains about business noise; council discusses enforcement and evidence requirements
Summary
A resident complained that loud music from a local business (Po Yoga) disrupted the Eastern Business District; councilors explained enforcement options, noted state decibel rules and the need for certified sound readings, and advised residents to call police for immediate disturbance response.
A Fair Haven resident on April 27 told the council loud sound from a local business (named in the record as Po Yoga) was affecting the shopping district and asked the borough to act.
"It was very loud, and that's 200 feet away," Caroline Ferguson said, later identifying herself and noting concern about Saturday evening noise levels.
Council members discussed the interplay between the state decibel standard and the borough's ordinance. Staff and councilors said the state standard sets decibel limits measured at the property line and that municipalities can adopt stricter rules but enforcement typically requires calibrated equipment and staffing. "If you have a noise complaint, call the police department and they can send somebody over," a councilor said, noting the police can respond for disturbance calls; staff added that certified decibel readings are often required to sustain enforcement actions in court.
Councilors acknowledged a staffing reality: code-enforcement officers may not be available on weekend evenings for follow-up, so police response is the immediate option. The council asked staff to provide the citation to the state rule that was referenced so business owners and residents can see the standard.
The council did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting but said it would follow up with the business and review whether the borough ordinance language or enforcement approach needs clarification.
