Forest Hills Gardens: Concerts Replace U.S. Open, Raising Noise Concerns
Forest Hills Gardens, a quiet neighborhood in Queens, has been transformed into a hub of activity with concerts replacing the U.S. Open at the Forest Hills Stadium. While some residents have welcomed the change, others have expressed concerns about the noise levels, which have been measured to be in violation of the city’s noise code.
Noise Complaints and Legal Wrangling
Residents have been complaining about the noise, which has been described as "thunder, rattling, and shaking windows." An acoustic consultant hired by several residents measured sound levels in their homes during a recent concert and found that the music regularly violated the city’s noise code. One homeowner, Douglas Gilbert, reported that his windows rattle constantly for two or three hours during some concerts, and that a chandelier in his front hall jiggled during a previous concert.
The noise complaints have led to legal wrangling and petitions. Tiebreaker Productions, the promoter that has a long-term lease on the stadium, has an online petition in support of the venue, with over 20,000 signatures. However, a group called Concerned Citizens of Forest Hills has filed a lawsuit against the West Side Tennis Club, which controls the stadium, alleging that the concerts are a public nuisance.
Court Decisions
A judge recently dismissed the lawsuit filed by Concerned Citizens of Forest Hills, ruling that the group had failed to show that the noise from the stadium was either a public or private nuisance. However, a different judge ruled that the nonprofit corporation that manages the Forest Hills Gardens community had established that the concerts were a public nuisance and ordered the corporation to cover the expense of an independent sound expert to monitor noise levels from the stadium.
City’s Response
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection has been working with the stadium to help reduce noise levels. The agency has issued summonses to the stadium for excessive noise, but has been limited by city regulations and court decisions. The city has also been monitoring noise levels and has taken readings that were in violation of the noise code. However, only one summons is being issued per concert, regardless of the number of violations found.
Conclusion
The controversy over the concerts at Forest Hills Stadium highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of residents with the desire to host events in a popular venue. While some residents have welcomed the change, others have expressed concerns about the noise levels and the impact on their quality of life. The city and the stadium will need to work together to find a solution that addresses the concerns of residents while also allowing the venue to continue hosting events.
FAQs
Q: What is the Forest Hills Stadium?
A: The Forest Hills Stadium is a 100-year-old venue in Queens that has hosted a variety of events, including concerts and the U.S. Open.
Q: Why are the concerts causing noise concerns?
A: The concerts are causing noise concerns because the sound levels are exceeding the city’s noise code and are disrupting the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighborhood.
Q: What is the city doing to address the noise concerns?
A: The city’s Department of Environmental Protection is working with the stadium to help reduce noise levels and has issued summonses for excessive noise. The agency is also monitoring noise levels and taking readings that are in violation of the noise code.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit filed by Concerned Citizens of Forest Hills?
A: The lawsuit was recently dismissed by a judge, ruling that the group had failed to show that the noise from the stadium was either a public or private nuisance.
Q: What is the impact of the concerts on the neighborhood?
A: The concerts have been causing disruptions to the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, with some residents reporting that the noise is affecting their quality of life.
