Oriental noise test yields mixed readings

March 1, 2009 by Jeff Aydelette

One man’s noise may be music to another man’s ears, seemed to be the bottom line Sunday afternoon as all five of the Oriental town commissioners, and Mayor Bill Sage, turned out for some real world fact-finding.

With wind from the north, a light mist, and a temperature of 44 degrees that seemed much colder, more decibel meters were likely brandished than ever before along the town’s waterfront.

Elected officials and others were attempting to measure sound levels as live music played outdoors at the Tiki Bar and at a private home on the Neuse River -- known as the Stallings House -- where weddings are often held.

Commissioners Kathy Kellam and David Cox want the town to tighten an existing ordinance, to include specific decibels limits. Tiki Bar proprietors Tom and Cathy McIlhenny, and many of their customers, contend a tougher law is not needed.

Advocates on both sides of the issue were present. One common thread seemed to be a realization that sound is not the easiest physical phenomenon to measure.

Indeed, standing approximately 75 yards away from the Soul Shakers band, a meter held by commissioner Barb Venturi continuously fluctuated.

“We really need to get doses of readings from all around,” she explained. “To pick just one spot where it is loud and not average the readings from around a 100-foot perimeter would be punitive.”

Oriental resident Al Church, spotting the sensor on a wooden railing, asked for permission to holler.

After Church’s lung-wrenching yell, emitted directly over Venturi’s meter, the digital display immediately jumped to reflect an ’89.’

“Is that all?” he joked. “Let me try it again. I think I can do better.”

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