For the last few months a small group of determined Patchogue Village residents have taken on the issue of excessive noise in our village. Beginning from that issue we have also discovered other issues along the way linking noise issues to other neighborhood issues that we want to have a say about. We are the Patchogue Riverfront Residents association and we are looking to raise our profile by reaching out to others through this blog about what we are doing and why. Our hope: others will join us and with more voices our impact will become stronger.
Our immediate goal has been to reduce the levels of noise coming out of riverfront clubs in two ways. One by seeking enforcement of existing decibels levels. Secondly by making sure that outdoor amplified music is off after curfew hours. It’s been our common experience that often amplified levels sound quite high, and there have been multiple times when clubs have not been shutting off their amplified music when they were in fact required to do so.
If some clubs do sound a bit quieter and if clubs are now more likely to be shutting down their outdoor music according to the village code that may have been our first success. Direct appeals to village officials and from them to club owners does seem to have reduced decibel levels and caused greater compliance with the curfew rules so far this summer with some exceptions. It’s still early in the season so our group is still monitoring for compliance with these rules but it does seem that some progress has resulted from appeals that the law be enforced.
In addition we have encountered other concerns from our neighbors about issues relating to development along the riverfront. Specifically concerns about the future Fat Fish Condo tower to be built at Mulford street. As well there are concerns about expansion plans for the Dublin Deck Tikki bar. Both businesses now have applications pending. The Zoning Board is now considering just how high the Fat Fish Condo tower can stand. The Planning Board will be holding its first public meeting on plans for the Dublin Deck late August. Those owners seek to expand their occupancy and gain permanent approval for other changes made to the club over the last few years for example volley ball courts.
When some people hear about our efforts they become concerned that tighter restrictions will somehow lead to clubs closing. The Riverfront Residents group seeks the closure of no business. But we do seek that all businesses live in some kind of harmony with the residential areas they are close to. There has to be a balance between the rights of owners to run successful businesses and home owners and residents to prevent their homes and neighborhoods from suffering from excessive noise, traffic, overcrowding and a number of other related concerns
Please like us on our Face book page Patchogue Riverfront Residents, watch this blog for updates about the campaign.
Join us if you agree with our goals and have a say about preserving homes and neighborhoods around the riverfront in Patchogue Village.
