Arts At The Armory |
According to Armory representatives, the facility has laid out a three-part plan to assure that they are in full compliance with Somerville’s noise ordinance:
1.) Monitoring Sound: Readings are taken from different points around the perimeter of the building to ensure that they are not above city ordinance maximums.
2.) Programming Changes: All parties that rent the venue are made aware of the noise restrictions. All music events in the cafe are acoustic with drumming and amplified bass prohibited. (i.e. classical music, acoustic guitar, jazz). Also, sweeps of the parking lot are made within 30 minutes of an event ending to ensure that people are not in the parking lot after the Armory has closed for the evening.
3.) Sound Insulation: Heavy curtains, door sweeps, elevated speakers and plywood have been implemented to keep sound within the building.
Aldermans White and O'Donovan. |
Recently, David Coate, of David Coate Consulting, made several recommendations to the Armory board of directors in an 8 page report that included adding ¼” laminated glass over existing glass and sealing off window edges to prevent air gaps with concrete grout to improve sound isolation. This report was presented to the Committee on September 20th.
In response to the recommendations, Armory Management announced that they would be seeking a $480,000 grant, along with matching funds, to upgrade the lighting and sound system, as well as, make necessary changes to the facility to further prevent noise from permeating the walls and windows of the facility. News on the issue of the grant will be made in the fall and, if received, the work would commence before the end of 2011.
This issue will remain in committee.
Corresponding Legislation:
· Legislative File #189248; Submitted by Alderman Sean O'Donovan: Discuss in Committee That This Board’s Subcommittee on Public Health and Public Safety Invite the Owner(S) of the Armory Building to a Meeting to Discuss Their Inability to Contain Noise During Performances. (See video of order adoption. Item #8)
· Legislative File #190149; Submitted by Alderman At Large William A. White Jr.: Discuss in Committee That the Clerk of Committees send a communication to the owner of the Armory, requesting that he provide the committee with a timeline for completing the work to abate the noise emanating from the building. (See video of order adoption. Item #45J).
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