Spring Break
Waltham residents unhappy with efforts to reduce noise
by Miranda Neubauer
Senior Writer
News | 10/2/07
Posted online at 8:12 PM EST on 10/1/07
/ Last updated at 4:18 AM EST on 10/1/07
Some Waltham residents said they are dissatisfied with the Univesity's attempts to curb the late-night noise students create when they walk down the pathway connecting East Quad Lot to South Street.
Students who use the pathway make excessive noise at all hours during the week and weekend, some Waltham residents, whose properties border the area, said.
East and North Quad residents received an e-mail Sept. 18 from Director of Residence Life Richard DeCapua advising them to be mindful of the University's neighbors.
A couple that has lived on Wheelock Road for five years, just on the other side of the path, said they complained to the University several times last year, and added that they know neighbors who have voiced complaints this semester. The couple requested anonymity because they work for the city of Waltham and feared professional consequences.
"We have small children," the man said. He said that on more than one occasion, he and his family have heard "drunk and inebriated" students walking behind their yard, in one recent case "rolling boulders" down the wooded path.
"It seems to have gotten worse over the past couple of years," the woman said. "[It was] unnoticeable a few years ago." She said they understand some noise is reasonable since they live so close to a college campus, but now they hear noise Wednesday through Sunday.
She said that she recommended to University officials that a fence be constructed to block off the wooden area, but she said her suggestion was ignored.
Director of Public Safety Ed Callahan confirmed receiving several noise complaints last semester and this semester, as well as a report about individuals rolling boulders, but he said he didn't know about any suggestions to build a fence.
The University showed that "aesthetics were more important than the safety of the neighborhood," she said.
She added that it's unsafe for students to walk down the path late at night.
Students who use the pathway make excessive noise at all hours during the week and weekend, some Waltham residents, whose properties border the area, said.
East and North Quad residents received an e-mail Sept. 18 from Director of Residence Life Richard DeCapua advising them to be mindful of the University's neighbors.
A couple that has lived on Wheelock Road for five years, just on the other side of the path, said they complained to the University several times last year, and added that they know neighbors who have voiced complaints this semester. The couple requested anonymity because they work for the city of Waltham and feared professional consequences.
"We have small children," the man said. He said that on more than one occasion, he and his family have heard "drunk and inebriated" students walking behind their yard, in one recent case "rolling boulders" down the wooded path.
"It seems to have gotten worse over the past couple of years," the woman said. "[It was] unnoticeable a few years ago." She said they understand some noise is reasonable since they live so close to a college campus, but now they hear noise Wednesday through Sunday.
She said that she recommended to University officials that a fence be constructed to block off the wooden area, but she said her suggestion was ignored.
Director of Public Safety Ed Callahan confirmed receiving several noise complaints last semester and this semester, as well as a report about individuals rolling boulders, but he said he didn't know about any suggestions to build a fence.
The University showed that "aesthetics were more important than the safety of the neighborhood," she said.
She added that it's unsafe for students to walk down the path late at night.
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