TrackRacket
TrackRacket was formed to identify and document how the egregious noise generated by the NJ Motorsports Park affects the quality of life and property rights in the surrounding communities.
Membership is open to all those who share our goal to reduce the excess noise levels we are currently experiencing.
TrackRacket was formed to identify and document how the egregious noise generated by the NJ Motorsports Park affects the quality of life and property rights in the surrounding communities.
Membership is open to all those who share our goal to reduce the excess noise levels we are currently experiencing.
Your Subtitle text
without proper and adequate noise mitigation
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Read the letter that started it all
Click Here
Lodge a complaint
Click Here
Join TrackRacket
Click Here
Donate to the Cause
Click Here
Read Personal Stories
Click Here
Who/What's racing today?
Click Here
BE VOCAL!
BE HEARD!
SEND LETTERS!
Click Here
Contact TrackRacket-
Click Here
_______________________
Click Here
Lodge a complaint
Click Here
Join TrackRacket
Click Here
Donate to the Cause
Click Here
Read Personal Stories
Click Here
Who/What's racing today?
Click Here
BE VOCAL!
BE HEARD!
SEND LETTERS!
Click Here
Contact TrackRacket-
Click Here
_______________________
Who said
Misrepresentation?The overwhelming consensus of residents who are impacted by the excessive noise is that they feel they have been misled and facts were misrepresented in the amount of noise that the race track would produce. To understand why they felt misled watch this video of the 11-21-05 Millville Planning Board meeting where final approval was given to the project. The sound experts hired by the NJMP gave their expert projections on the levels of noise that would be heard on Porreca Drive (which is the closest residential neighborhood to the track), Silver Run School and the Bevin Wildlife Management Area.
Click Here to see sworn testimony given by Shropshire & Associates to the Planning Board on their expert sound estimates of 55 decibels for the closest properties to the track.
Click Here to hear the Planning Board ask some hard questions, but get sidestepped by NJMP's representative and lawyer, Gary Wodlinger.
Click Here to hear Porreca Drive resident, Harry Fisher and a Laurel Lakes resident voice their concerns about the noise level during the planning board meeting.
Click Here to hear Mr.Wodlinger and Mr. Shropshire reply to Mr. Fisher.
Click Here to hear Commissioner Derella's wrap of the meeting and reassuring concerned residents that all efforts are being made to curb the noise.
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What about
the newspapers?
the newspapers?
"A proposed city ordinance, set for adoption next week,
would set the maximum noise level at
that of a telephone dial tone for most races but would exempt a small
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" Board member Milt Truxton honed in on the noise issue. Truxton quizzed Shropshire repeatedly about the best methods for reducing sound. Shropshire said the best method of handling noise issues is to create distance between the source and the nearest neighborhood. For instance, he said, placing a row of evergreen trees as a buffer would have a minimal effect. The engineer noted the closest residential neighborhood is about 3,500 feet away from the proposed site. That is a 'substantial distance' and the developer did not anticipate any problems, he said. 'This is not to say sound will not travel,' Shropshire said."
Daily Journal 11-30-04 Park Developer answers criticisms= Motorsports plan won’t cause nose problems, attorney says
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"Shropshire said remedies, such as a sound wall, as are used along most major highways, have not been included in the evaluation because no problems have been anticipated."
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"The park's sound expert, Dave Shropshire, said during previous public meetings that noise from the park could average 55 decibels. A normal conversation between people averages about 60 decibels."
Daily
Journal 7-27-09 Group turns up volume on track
"Derella said, as it was told to him, 40 decibels is what you’d expect to find in a library. At around 80 decibels, the sound is similar to that of a lawn mower. Commissioner Dave Vanaman said where he lives he hears the noise, too. 'If my neighbor had his lawnmower on for 11 hours, I’d go over there and smash it,' he quipped."
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"The city enacted its own ordinance to protect residents. Any noise of 80 decibels or more sustained for at least 20 minutes in a residential area is considered a violation. Eighty decibels is the noise level of a vacuum cleaner."
Daily Journal Editorial 1-19-09 Officials should try to do the right thing on noise
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"Part of the problem, something that was mentioned years ago when the New Jersey Motorsports Park was before the Planning Board, is atmospheric conditions. Commissioner Joe Derella, who is also on the city's Planning Board, said experts told the board then that the sound generated by the race course could be amplified depending on the weather."
Press of Atlantic City 9-17-08 Millville race course noise angers neighbors
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"Other speakers raised questions about traffic, but the noise issue was the dominant concern of those who spoke before deadline."
The Press of Atlantic City
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"I know ... racetracks are noisy. But people who live near the track were concerned about this from day one and were told it wouldn’t be a problem. Well, depending on the weather pattern at any given moment, unpleasantly loud noise from the track has even been heard as far away as Vineland. Closer residents say it is unbearable at times."
The
Press of Atlantic City editorial- Jim Perski 12-4-09
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"Laurel Lake resident John Worthington complained the city was not restrictive enough in setting maximum noise levels for the park. 'I say it's going to be a nuisance and a constant nuisance,' he said."
Daily
Journal 5-4-05 Residents say NJ Motosports Park still cause for concern
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"We are not, repeat, not against the track, and I
hope this gets written," she said. "We know what it's going to do for
the city."
Michelle Post- Commission meeting 1-21-09
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"(Lawrence Twp) Committeeman Joseph Miletta said when the wind is right he can hear it at his Cedarville home on North Avenue, nine miles away.” he said."
The
News 11-12-08 Lawrence twp woman
gets OK to hold meeting
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"Noise studies at the track conducted by both the park and
the city have determined noise levels coming from the NJMP are below the
80-decible legal limit in nearby residential areas. Eighty decibels is roughly
the audible equivalent of a telephone dial tone or a commercial vacuum cleaner."
The
News 12-30-09 TrackRacket suing Motorsports park
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"Decibel levels of approximately 60 equals the noise generated by conversational speech from 3 to 5 feet away."
The News 11-4-09 NJMP Decibel readings 40-5- average’ spike at 70
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"Residents of the western Millville neighborhood proposed for the track tell the City Commission the facility would ruin the rural quality of life that attracted them to the area."
Daily
Journal 7-9-08 The long road to bring Motorsports to Cumberland County- originally published in 2000
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"The park is aware of the
problem, but co-owner Joe Savaro said in an interview last month there are no
plans to add more sound barriers."
Daily
Journal 1-16-09 Residents voice concerns about noise at raceway
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"Savaro also said no changes are being made to the 2009 calendar because of noise."
Daily
Journal 10-29-08 NJ Motorsports Park’s noise levels in check
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"The city conducted its own noise study to see if the Motorsports Park, which opened to racing last July, exceeded allowable limits, which considers a violation any noise of 80 decibels or more sustained for at least 20 minutes in a residential area. Eighty decibels is equivalent to a referee's whistle, while a normal conversation is about 50 decibels."
Daily
Journal 1-15-09 – Millville residents protest noise level of raceway
Click Here to hear Part I of Michelle Post's statement to the Millville City Commissioners on 2-17-09.
Click Here to hear Part II of Michelle's statement.
The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 drew a record crowd for the second consecutive weekend in Sunday's Verizon Wireless 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
"Under these conditions, this was a hearty showing by dedicated race fans," said Kevin Wittman, General Manager of New Jersey Motorsports Park. "The entire Mid-Atlantic region, including South Jersey, is really embracing road racing and this facility. This weekend's attendance is a testament to that."
Click here for a different opinion
Doubtful about loss of property values?
“If a sports track that allows unmuffled vehicles, Ducatis, Harley Davidsons, jet skis, snowmobiles or the like is built,” he said, “everyone in three miles will have their property values [reduced] by 50 percent more or less, and the time [looking for buyers] stretched for years. The town fathers will be sentencing the town’s property owners to lowered property values.”
Gary Stoller, a 33-year resident of Taghkanic, contacted New Lebanon realtors and found they had experiences similar to Leach’s when the speedway there expanded. “The properties closest to the track were not always the most affected,” he said. “Often a few miles away it was worse, especially in the elevated areas.” He also learned that no new homes were built near the track.
Barbara Willner read a letter from Sydney Puccio, talking about how her New Lebanon Shaker farmhouse lost half its value and took a long time to sell in the boom market of 1998 after the speedway, three miles away, expanded.
Read the full article "Noise, property value concerns raised at hearing"
Published: February 10, 2009
Read the outcome of their lawsuit-
We are not alone
1-23-10
Solidarity from Georgia. Read about it Click Here
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Can you hear us now?
What they didn't want you to hear
12-2-09
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Do Sound Studies tell the real story?
1-15-2010
We all know that wind plays a very important role in the levels of noise we hear. Sound waves are carried with the wind. This explains why some folks hear more noise than others on any given day.
Was this type of misrepresentation employed by the NJMP? We take it on face value that the reports that were given to the City by the NJMP were thoughtful, accurate readings. And on the surface, this seems entirely so. In the first Sound Study submitted to the City by Shropshire and Associates during the 2008 inaugural season, they took readings on actual race dates and at locations close to the track. The decibel levels averaged 65. They make a concerted effort to point out that 65 decibels is the level of conversational speech.
If one was to dig a bit deeper, into the results that were printed in The Daily Journal, one would discover that the readings were taken at locations that would produce the lowest readings on that day. How do we know that? Because they were all taken with the wind in the opposite direction from the noise (with the exception of one where the wind was perpendicular). Data is supplied by www.weatherunderground.com under historical data for Millville, NJ.
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Is there no sanctuary
in our homes anymore?
Not if Freeholder President Lou Magazzu and the Millville City Commissioners have anything to say about it. They don't believe us when we tell them that the noise pollution from the New Jersey Motorsports Park is damaging our quality of life and diminishing property values for those who live within the 3-mile noise zone.
This diminishing value of property doesn't care if you like the track, have a job at the track, do business with the track. It does not discriminate. It hits us all- especially at a time when we least can afford it.
Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, all our homes have lost value because of the housing crisis. Yes, the economy is in shambles. However, the economy will improve, the recession will give way to prosperity again, and the housing market will rebound. However, we will not regain the value that is lost to pollution! It will continue to diminish our property values and degrade our quality of life.
Hear for yourselves the noise pollution we are subjected to. Remember, we can't turn this off like we can to our tv or radio. It starts at 8:00 am and continues all day long, up to seven days a week for 10 months of the year.
1-27-10
From The Register Star Online, Hudson, NY:
Robinson Leach, who owns a real estate company near Lime Rock
Racetrack in Lakeville, Conn., implored the board members to reject the
application.“If a sports track that allows unmuffled vehicles, Ducatis, Harley Davidsons, jet skis, snowmobiles or the like is built,” he said, “everyone in three miles will have their property values [reduced] by 50 percent more or less, and the time [looking for buyers] stretched for years. The town fathers will be sentencing the town’s property owners to lowered property values.”
Gary Stoller, a 33-year resident of Taghkanic, contacted New Lebanon realtors and found they had experiences similar to Leach’s when the speedway there expanded. “The properties closest to the track were not always the most affected,” he said. “Often a few miles away it was worse, especially in the elevated areas.” He also learned that no new homes were built near the track.
Barbara Willner read a letter from Sydney Puccio, talking about how her New Lebanon Shaker farmhouse lost half its value and took a long time to sell in the boom market of 1998 after the speedway, three miles away, expanded.
Read the full article "Noise, property value concerns raised at hearing"
Read the outcome of their lawsuit-
"Group is ‘cautiously celebrating’ decision" Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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1-23-10
Solidarity from Georgia. Read about it Click Here
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Can you hear us now?
TrackRacket has hired counsel and a complaint against the City of MIllville and the NJMP has been filed at the Cumberland County Courthouse on 12-23-2009.
We are serious about reducing the incessant, irritating noise from the NJMP that has disrupted our lives and is diminishing our property values. We are angry that our letters and our telephone calls pleading for relief have been met with stonewalling and empty promises from Millville City Officials with hopes that we will tire and go away. The only thing we are tired of is the condescending treatment we receive from our elected officials.
Our organization has now taken the necessary action as a result of the non-action of the City. We have filed a suit to force the issue of noise. We have not filed a suit to close the NJMP.
Now that we have secured legal counsel, what does that mean for you? It means that you will finally be heard. It means you have a voice now. It means that they will have to take us seriously now. No more hiding behind a ridiculous ordinance, no more pretending to be concerned about our pain. It means that no new track expansion until the noise issue is resolved on the tracks they currently have. It means that any new tracks will have the proper noise abatements in place before the first car roars around it.
Why join TrackRacket? A voice speaks, but many are heard. It takes all of us banding together and with one big voice say: "This is enough!" Your voice alone will not cut it. Your complaints over the fence to your neighbor won't cut it. When we all band together into one force, that cuts it.
Lawsuits are costly and time consuming. We have hired the law firm of Spector, Gadon and Rosen from Philadelphia who are not entangled in the politics of Cumberland County. They cannot be influenced in any way from the opposition.
TrackRacket is here to be the voice for you. TrackRacket will be your advocate. TrackRacket will suffer the slings and arrows of the bullies and detractors that want to derail us. In exchange, all we ask is for your support.
We have added a new page on our web site: Join TrackRacket! We have a link to PayPal where your membership fee can be made safely and securely.
Don't want to join? Want to keep a low profile? Consider donating to the cause. Donations can be any amount that you can afford. You will be added to the mailing list and will be kept informed on all the latest updates.
___________________________We are serious about reducing the incessant, irritating noise from the NJMP that has disrupted our lives and is diminishing our property values. We are angry that our letters and our telephone calls pleading for relief have been met with stonewalling and empty promises from Millville City Officials with hopes that we will tire and go away. The only thing we are tired of is the condescending treatment we receive from our elected officials.
Our organization has now taken the necessary action as a result of the non-action of the City. We have filed a suit to force the issue of noise. We have not filed a suit to close the NJMP.
Now that we have secured legal counsel, what does that mean for you? It means that you will finally be heard. It means you have a voice now. It means that they will have to take us seriously now. No more hiding behind a ridiculous ordinance, no more pretending to be concerned about our pain. It means that no new track expansion until the noise issue is resolved on the tracks they currently have. It means that any new tracks will have the proper noise abatements in place before the first car roars around it.
Why join TrackRacket? A voice speaks, but many are heard. It takes all of us banding together and with one big voice say: "This is enough!" Your voice alone will not cut it. Your complaints over the fence to your neighbor won't cut it. When we all band together into one force, that cuts it.
Lawsuits are costly and time consuming. We have hired the law firm of Spector, Gadon and Rosen from Philadelphia who are not entangled in the politics of Cumberland County. They cannot be influenced in any way from the opposition.
TrackRacket is here to be the voice for you. TrackRacket will be your advocate. TrackRacket will suffer the slings and arrows of the bullies and detractors that want to derail us. In exchange, all we ask is for your support.
We have added a new page on our web site: Join TrackRacket! We have a link to PayPal where your membership fee can be made safely and securely.
Don't want to join? Want to keep a low profile? Consider donating to the cause. Donations can be any amount that you can afford. You will be added to the mailing list and will be kept informed on all the latest updates.
JOIN or DONATE
Either way, YOU help US help YOU!
Either way, YOU help US help YOU!
What they didn't want you to hear
12-2-09
From day
one, all references of noise from the NJMP has been couched in numbers. In decibels. “65 decibels is the sound of a normal conversation.” “80 decibels is the sound of a vacuum cleaner.” “80 decibels is the sound of a
telephone dial tone.”
According
to both the Shropshire Report and the City’s Noise Study, the average decibel
readings for this year's season of the NJMP are between 45 and 60.
The City Commissioners apparently feel that these are acceptable levels for us to live
with as all they will say about the reports is that the numbers fall under the City's Noise Ordinance so therefore, are acceptable. Acceptable to whom?
Does
anyone here know what 55 decibels of an unmuffled race car sounds like in your
back yard? Scroll down to the bottom of this page (how loud is a decibel?) and you can hear what it is like in our back yards. The readings were taken at properties that are just under a mile away. Imagine this lasting for 8 to 10 hours
a day, weekdays and weekends. Even at the lowest level (45-50) it comes
in through closed windows. There
is no escape for those who desire the peace and quiet they once enjoyed. You will notice that the meter spikes over 70 decibels at the second location which is just under one mile from the Thunderbolt Raceway.
In order
for noise coming from the NJMP to be in violation of the City Noise Ordinance it must go
over 80 decibels for 20 minutes sustained...I wonder how much noise that would be? Click here for video of the noise demonstration at the City Commissioners Meeting on December 1, 2009. This video was to demonstrate the absurdity of the Millville Noise Ordinance.
So we ask, is the ordinance really there to protect us or enable the NJMP to make as much noise as they possibly can without fear of violation?
Click here to read the Press of Atlantic City article on this issue.
Click here to read the editorial in the Press of Atlantic City.
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Do Sound Studies tell the real story?
1-15-2010
Depends on the outcome you want to display.
If you were a business who's main by-product was noise pollution, you would want a sound study that minimizes the noise levels. How would you go about achieving that?We all know that wind plays a very important role in the levels of noise we hear. Sound waves are carried with the wind. This explains why some folks hear more noise than others on any given day.
Was this type of misrepresentation employed by the NJMP? We take it on face value that the reports that were given to the City by the NJMP were thoughtful, accurate readings. And on the surface, this seems entirely so. In the first Sound Study submitted to the City by Shropshire and Associates during the 2008 inaugural season, they took readings on actual race dates and at locations close to the track. The decibel levels averaged 65. They make a concerted effort to point out that 65 decibels is the level of conversational speech.
So what's the problem?
If one was to dig a bit deeper, into the results that were printed in The Daily Journal, one would discover that the readings were taken at locations that would produce the lowest readings on that day. How do we know that? Because they were all taken with the wind in the opposite direction from the noise (with the exception of one where the wind was perpendicular). Data is supplied by www.weatherunderground.com under historical data for Millville, NJ.
_____________________________
Is there no sanctuary
in our homes anymore?
Not if Freeholder President Lou Magazzu and the Millville City Commissioners have anything to say about it. They don't believe us when we tell them that the noise pollution from the New Jersey Motorsports Park is damaging our quality of life and diminishing property values for those who live within the 3-mile noise zone.
This diminishing value of property doesn't care if you like the track, have a job at the track, do business with the track. It does not discriminate. It hits us all- especially at a time when we least can afford it.
Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, all our homes have lost value because of the housing crisis. Yes, the economy is in shambles. However, the economy will improve, the recession will give way to prosperity again, and the housing market will rebound. However, we will not regain the value that is lost to pollution! It will continue to diminish our property values and degrade our quality of life.
Hear for yourselves the noise pollution we are subjected to. Remember, we can't turn this off like we can to our tv or radio. It starts at 8:00 am and continues all day long, up to seven days a week for 10 months of the year.
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How loud is a decibel? We have been told that a normal conversation is about 65 decibels.
A vacuum cleaner is 80 decibels.
A telephone dial tone is 80 decibels
(yes, really! This was printed in the Daily Journal!)
A vacuum cleaner is 80 decibels.
A telephone dial tone is 80 decibels
(yes, really! This was printed in the Daily Journal!)
So- how loud is a decibel anyway when it pertains to racetrack noise? All we got are these numbers. These comparisons. What does it really mean in real life? What does it really sound like?
The sound expert for the NJMP stated under oath that the projected levels of noise during a race would be 55 decibels at the closest residential property line. However, our town fathers institute a noise ordinance for our "protection" that sets the bar at 80 decibels before the track is in violation (Oh, btw, that 80 decibels has to be sustained for 20 minutes to be in violation).
Eric Zwerling, president of The Noise Consultancy, LLC and director of the Rutgers Noise Technical Assistance Center, the foremost sound expert in the state of NJ, has stated under oath to the Planning Board that race track noise "at 65 decibels will be difficult to next to impossible for residents to enjoy normal outdoor activity." The Planning Board went ahead and approved the project even when they were told of the adverse effects that residents would be subject to.
So........What does of 55 decibels of racetrack noise sound like at our homes?
Hearing is believing:
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What the Mayor has to say:
What the Mayor has to say:
On August 29th, the Daily Journal printed the answers to questions posed to Mayor Shannon after his first 100 days in office. Here is the article:
Question: The largest issue readers submitted questions for regards noise at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. Given the number of complaints from those who reside near the NJMP, what does the city plan to do about the issue and what actions is it prepared to do for the park? Also, would the city’s Planning board allow for construction of more tracks at the park before the issue is dealt with?
“There is a process we are going through. What’s been most frustrating for me is that the commission has been accused of not listening to the residents. We have listened and have responded. We’re doing our due diligence.
“We have people out there doing sound testing during events, and on the weekend, and we have a Shropshire and Associates report submitted by the park. We are doing a comparison of the readings and will come up with a joint report and release our findings.
“I ask for a little bit of patience. I don’t think in this short period of time you can make a decision” about what to do with the noise.
“When it comes time, the issues need to be addressed clearly and the emotion must be taken out. Let’s realistically talk about the facts. It’s not noise every weekend or 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We receive as many calls from people saying the noise is not a problem. It doesn’t bother one set of people, and another set it does. We will try to find an amicable agreement.
“Regarding the Planning Board, there is a process that the developers go through and the board has a public hearing where residents voices can be heard.”
Shannon later added that the city is researching options to help curb some of the noise.
"It’s not noise every weekend or 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
No, Mayor, it is only 10 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 months out of the year. So in your opinion, it would be a problem for you only if it was 24 hours a day?
___________________________________________________________________“There is a process we are going through. What’s been most frustrating for me is that the commission has been accused of not listening to the residents. We have listened and have responded. We’re doing our due diligence.
“We have people out there doing sound testing during events, and on the weekend, and we have a Shropshire and Associates report submitted by the park. We are doing a comparison of the readings and will come up with a joint report and release our findings.
“I ask for a little bit of patience. I don’t think in this short period of time you can make a decision” about what to do with the noise.
“When it comes time, the issues need to be addressed clearly and the emotion must be taken out. Let’s realistically talk about the facts. It’s not noise every weekend or 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We receive as many calls from people saying the noise is not a problem. It doesn’t bother one set of people, and another set it does. We will try to find an amicable agreement.
“Regarding the Planning Board, there is a process that the developers go through and the board has a public hearing where residents voices can be heard.”
Shannon later added that the city is researching options to help curb some of the noise.
"It’s not noise every weekend or 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
No, Mayor, it is only 10 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 months out of the year. So in your opinion, it would be a problem for you only if it was 24 hours a day?
The DJ acknowledged that the most questions submitted concerned the noise from the NJMP.
THIS HAS TO ACCOUNT FOR SOMETHING!
I am offended that he dismisses our pain: "It’s not noise every weekend or 24 hours a day, seven days a week." He doesn't live near the park! He gets to go home to a quiet neighborhood and enjoy his property. We don't! And, just because people are not bothered by the noise does not validate it's continuation. Bully for them, it's nice that they are not bothered, but it doesn't make our pain go away and it will not bring back our property values and our peace of mind. If he was serious in his role as mayor, he would be doing everything he could do make sure that we are protected. That is the role of the mayor and we need to hold him to it.
“Regarding the Planning Board, there is a process that the developers go through and the board has a public hearing where residents voices can be heard.” Really? Residents, as well as expert consultants did beseech the Planning Board and voiced their concerns about the noise and quality of life- and what good did it do? They wouldn't even listen to the top expert in the field of noise- what makes them want to listen to residents? Is he naive enough to think that the outcome would be different this time.... (Keep this thought in mind- to be continued)
We can choose to, sit back, do nothing, take it on the chin and let the noise eroding our quality of life, our property values and our peace of mind, internalized our stress every time we hear the whining engines that screech and scream.
Or we can choose to fight for what is right- our protection!
WE WERE HERE FIRST AND THAT NEEDS TO COUNT!
WE WERE HERE FIRST AND THAT NEEDS TO COUNT!
It was very interesting to read Mayor Shannon's take on himself: "I’m the same dummy I was eight years ago, and no one called me then to solve their problems.”
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What Really Happened at the
TrackRacket Meeting at the Library!
TrackRacket Meeting at the Library!
Below is the May 11, 2009 Letter to the Editors-
(printed in the Reminder, but NOT by The News or The Daily Journal):
Regardless what the newspaper and the newspaper forums say, the confusion at our meeting on Thursday night stemmed from miscommunications between me and Irene, the library director. I had stated that we were a non-profit group wanting to hold a formal meeting. At that time it was not brought to my attention as to the distinction between the 503c3 and 503c4. Only after our meeting did I find out that the library does not allow a political organization hold meetings there and if meetings were held that they would be public in nature. I truly didn't know there was this requirement in their policy. And unfortunately, she didn't ask as to our non-profit distinction. To add to the confusion, the meeting went on record on the Library's web site as a "Town Hall Meeting." (View actual application)
My press release stated clearly that we are holding our first formal meeting, not an open public "Town Hall Meeting." I want to thank Mr. Fauerback for jumping at the chance to come to this meeting, however if he exhibits such enthusiasm to start a dialog, I want to let him know that I have been waiting for the invitation from him and Mayor Quinn to do so in the proper setting. It takes more than one to tango.
There is obviously a need for an open dialog and it has to begin somewhere. TrackRacket will make themselves available to meet with the track officials and the new slate of commissioners at their convenience. Until then, I remain,
Very truly yours,
Michelle Post
Founder- TrackRacket
PO Box 115, Millvllle, NJ
www.trackracket.org
609-577-0352
UPDATE: As of JULY 1, 2009, we have not been contacted to participate in an open forum or any other such consortium between us, City Officials and officials from the NJMP.
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This Is About Noise Pollution
Overexposure to excessive sound can be physically and mentally debilitating. Excessive noise can cause stress, hearing loss, sleeplessness and increased blood pressure. Many of us deal with noise by plugging our ears, shutting doors and windows or simply distancing ourselves from the source. However, we are all entitled to a reasonable amount of peace and quiet, especially in a state as densely populated and industrialized as New Jersey.
Pure and simple - and how it is affecting the health and lives of taxpayers and residents in our community. Living within a 3 mile radius of a motor racing facility should not disqualify people from the basic human right to enjoy some peace and quiet, and the sanctity of their private property, especially over the summer months, when everybody likes to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. For many, the noise is brutal, intrusive, unbearable, depressing, stressful and inescapable. Even sitting inside with all doors and windows shut does not stop the noise of race cars from invading their homes.
The worst affected area is within the 3 mile radius of the track. Keep in mind we measured the rings to start at the center of the track. However, you may be closer to the noise if you measure to the nearest part of the race track. For example, someone residing in south Millville would be 2.5 miles, not 3, from the edge. Where are you?
Folks residing in the surrounding community have lived in this area for ... 20 years, 38 years, 7 years, 17 years, "generations", 33 years, 83 years, 55 years, 5 years, "was born here 50 years ago" etc., etc. - so please don't tell us to "leave if we don't like it " - our families, friends and roots are here in this area.
Many people who have relocated to this area for its quiet and natural environment with the intention of spending their all to precious time enjoying the peace and tranquility of their property.
All these residents have been betrayed and railroaded by the political machine that saw only the elusive $in the project and not the value in the surrounding community's quality of life. Is it ok to trash and degrade a segment of the population that was living a modest, yet fortuitous life for the "betterment" of the city as a whole? Aren't we supposed to bring the standard of living up across the board- not push it down deliberately????
We should not be in this position to have to desperately protect our quality of life and our property values. Our protection should have been a priority with the commissioners when this project first came to light. This project should have been developed with sound mitigation the number one priority or else it should not have been approved for that location.
Racetracks and neighborhoods don't mix!
without proper and adequate noise mitigation
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without proper and adequate noise mitigation
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This is about current City Officials who do not believe there is a
Noise Problem
3-2009
Noise Problem
3-2009
The NJMP noise
experts and the elected city officials say that the current noise
levels are
acceptable for the surrounding community to live with and have stated
to TrackRacket in the only and only meeting between all the parties (March, 2009) that they do not believe there is a noise problem.
We counted approximately 4,500 homes that lie within the 3 mile "noise-zone." This is their definition of "sparsely populated?" Times this number by 2.5 (average number of people to a household) and you have roughly 11,250 people being subjected to noise levels that far exceed the amount that was represented during the planning stages. Minus those who live in the townships and you are left with 10,000 residents. This represents 35% of Millville's population. Imagine that!
What about those who live outside the city? NOISE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES! Noise travels indiscriminately, to the rich and the poor, and it's effects are the same- it degrades our quality of life. TrackRacket believes that everyone who is affected by the noise has equal rights to address it, no matter where you live.
We counted approximately 4,500 homes that lie within the 3 mile "noise-zone." This is their definition of "sparsely populated?" Times this number by 2.5 (average number of people to a household) and you have roughly 11,250 people being subjected to noise levels that far exceed the amount that was represented during the planning stages. Minus those who live in the townships and you are left with 10,000 residents. This represents 35% of Millville's population. Imagine that!
What about those who live outside the city? NOISE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES! Noise travels indiscriminately, to the rich and the poor, and it's effects are the same- it degrades our quality of life. TrackRacket believes that everyone who is affected by the noise has equal rights to address it, no matter where you live.
What's missing in this picture?
YOU!
Because you're inside your house with the windows closed trying to escape the noise
instead of relaxing and enjoying a nice cold beer in your own backyard!
In Millville, this is considered a fundamental right!
YOU!
Because you're inside your house with the windows closed trying to escape the noise
instead of relaxing and enjoying a nice cold beer in your own backyard!
In Millville, this is considered a fundamental right!
We know the racetrack complies with the Municipal Noise Ordinance
The NJMP
officials say they are meeting all the standards required of them. The
current noise levels are not acceptable to those taxpayers who have to
leave their own homes for hours on end to escape the outrageous and egregious noise
that descends upon them while they are tying to enjoy cherished outdoor
activities in their own backyards. It is not acceptable to those who
have to shut themselves inside their own homes to find the peace and
quiet that was so abruptly taken from them.However, did you know that this ordinance has not been approved by the NJ Environmental Protection Agency? According to Solicitor McCarthy (July 7, 2009) DEP's approval is not necessary to enact the ordinance. So, if they have an ordinance, why aren't they enforcing it?
UPDATE: At the Commissioner's meeting on July 7, 2009, we were informed by Commissioner Finch that the city does not enforce the noise ordinance during the weekends. The person who is (finally) certified to take readings does not work on the weekends. Well, most of us know that the noisiest racing activity occurs on the weekends. How protected to you feel now, knowing that they are not enforcing this ordinance they say they have?
We think that people living near
a motor vehicle racing facility
should be protected not punished
a motor vehicle racing facility
should be protected not punished
The New Jersey
EPA, in their Noise Model Ordinance, set the maximum sound level during
the day in residential areas to be 65dB. (This is the level of noise that Eric Zwerling of the Noise Consultancy deems to be difficult to next to impossible to carry on normal outdoor activities.)
For every 10 decibel increase in noise, the loudness doubles. This continues in a logarithmic scale. If your neighborhood's ambient noise level was 45 dBL, an increase to 55 dBL would be a doubling of noise. An increase to 65 dBL would be a doubling of the noise already doubled. An increase to 75 dBL a doubling of the noise that was quadrupled from before. And we are not even to the limits the City of Millville has approved for you to experience in your home on a daily basis.
The City Commissioners were well aware that NJ exempts racetracks from this and any noise ordinance when they set the city noise ordinance at 80dB. So any sound level studies the city engages is a charade, and not aimed at protecting us taxpayers, but allows the racetrack to pollute our air space with noise levels illegal anywhere else in the state- except next to a motor vehicle racetrack.
For every 10 decibel increase in noise, the loudness doubles. This continues in a logarithmic scale. If your neighborhood's ambient noise level was 45 dBL, an increase to 55 dBL would be a doubling of noise. An increase to 65 dBL would be a doubling of the noise already doubled. An increase to 75 dBL a doubling of the noise that was quadrupled from before. And we are not even to the limits the City of Millville has approved for you to experience in your home on a daily basis.
The City Commissioners were well aware that NJ exempts racetracks from this and any noise ordinance when they set the city noise ordinance at 80dB. So any sound level studies the city engages is a charade, and not aimed at protecting us taxpayers, but allows the racetrack to pollute our air space with noise levels illegal anywhere else in the state- except next to a motor vehicle racetrack.
The NJ Legislature by passing the Noise Control Act of 1971, determined that the "people in the State of New Jersey are entitled to and should be insured an environment free from noise which unnecessarily degrades the quality of life." "Noise means any sounds of such level and duration as to be or tend to be injurious to human health or welfare, or which would unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property throughout the State."
So we ask: "How are we being protected???"
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What do YOU do?
The well-being
of local residents is being grossly compromised. Therefore we urge EVERYONE
who is affected to lodge a NUISANCE COMPLAINT. It must be in the form of a nuisance complaint, not a noise complaint. The best governing body to direct these complaints is to the
LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. Call 856-825-7010
Noise is a nuisance and the police are required to log the complaint. Call in your
complaints no matter if it is a weekday or weekend. Do not let them tell you they can't take your complaint. It is their job to do so and for them not to, is against the law. Send
in your complaints every time your quality of life is being
compromised. The angrier you are, the more letters, emails, calls you
make! LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. Call 856-825-7010
“This is not a smokestack.
This is not something that will bring deleterious effects.”
This is not something that will bring deleterious effects.”
This quote by Freeholder Director Lou Maggazu, was opined
when the city approved the NJMP's
plan. It quite clearly shows Mr. Magazzu's ignorance about noise
pollution.
Obviously, Lou does not live within 3 miles of the
racetrack.
Mr. Magazzu, the following video is dedicated to you:
The above is just a reminder of what we've lost.
Here is the real deal, recorded on May 24, 2009 by RD Owens who lives 2 miles from the NJMP:
RD Owens: "I know, we should all just live with the noise. This is real and prevalent. It happens 40 weeks annually. This is not how things sounded when I moved into this house. This is why I contend my quality of life has been affected by the racetrack.
I enjoy racing. I’ll be watching the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca~Cola 600 today. I do not enjoy hearing it in my home all weekend, virtually every weekend.
It’s a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. I sat down at the dining table to enjoy my breakfast and relax on this gorgeous day. This is what heard from my chair"
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A Little Closer to Home
Here is an example of the noise levels at a property
located 2.5 miles away from the closest part of the Thunderbolt Raceway at the New Jersey
Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ. The footage is from Friday, June 5, 2009
of something going on at the NJMP. It states on the calendar that these
two days are: Private Test and the Riesentoter PCA. It is not known which
event was making the noise, but at 2.5 miles away, we shouldn't be hearing
this for 9 hours straight during the day.
Update- Upon physical inspection at the NJMP, the noise depicted in this video was the "Private Test." It was one open-wheel car going around the track. If one of these types of cars can make this much noise, imagine what it will be when the real race is going on....
Update- Upon physical inspection at the NJMP, the noise depicted in this video was the "Private Test." It was one open-wheel car going around the track. If one of these types of cars can make this much noise, imagine what it will be when the real race is going on....