Open Forum: Resident Asks Stillwater to take Aggressive Action on Noise Issue

Stillwater resident and caretaker of the Elephant Walk Bed and Breakfast Mike Robinson told the City Council on Tuesday night that while Pine Street has been under construction this summer, he has actually come to enjoy a nice, quiet neighborhood without traffic.

But while enjoying that newfound peace on Pine Street, the issue of noise pollution has come to mind.

Stillwater Police will Crack Down on Motorcycle Noise with Enhanced Enforcement

"Quiet enjoyment of property is one of our human rights," Robinson said. "I'm asking that (noise) laws be enforced with the same aggressive policing I've seen with speeding."

Robinson spoke during the open forum about motorcycle noise, vehicle noise, and any other excess noise in town.

"I'm not just some old guy who wants to come down on motorcycles. I've probably had 20 motorcycles in my life," Robinson said. "This is not a new problem, and I don't expect it to go away, but I think it is time to address it in an aggressive manner."

Several notable motorcycle groups, Robinson said, "maintain a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound." (View his sources in the attached document)

Robinson went on to tell the council that his partner at the bed and breakfast was recently ticketed for speeding as a result of "good, aggressive policing;" and he expects that same "good, aggressive policing on this problem."

Residents are entitled by common law, he said, to quiet enjoyment of property.

"I don't expect for it to be totally quiet on Main Street," he said. "That is unreasonable. But we should follow things that are set down and codified from the common law, into our ordinances, the sound ordinances and state law."

Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway said the issue is being addressed.

During the summer months officers have extra shifts dedicated to patrolling downtown, Gannaway said.

"We're now splitting up those shifts," the police chief said. "Half of their time will be on foot or bicycle, and half of their time will be on motorcycle enforcement."

The extra patrols just began a few weeks ago, Gannaway said, so there is not data to share yet.

"But that's their sole purpose for half the shift."

If residents have interest in forming a citizens' association for a quieter Stillwater, Robinson asks that they call him at 651-430-0359 or send him an email at mr55082@gmail.com.

Mike Robinson Weighs in on Noise in Stillwater