At the Oak Bluffs selectmen’s meeting on Oct. 13, the building inspector stated the noise emanating from the bowling alley has been reduced. As an abutter who is about 15 feet from the building, I can tell you this is incorrect. In reality the noise level has increased because of reduced ambient noise and the colder air in the evening. To be specific the noise pertains to hearing all the balls come in contact with the lanes and the pins exploding on contact.

Starting in May, we have asked the MVC, Oak Bluffs selectmen, the owners of the bowling alley and the building inspector to help us with this issue. In June we filed a noise complaint with the Oak Bluffs health department. The building inspector came to the alley to measure the noise. He stated it exceeded the required noise levels and scheduled a meeting. On July 8 , the owner, a Cavanaugh Tocci representative (sound engineers hired by bowling alley), building inspector and myself met at the alley. The inspector asked the sound rep to submit a plan, approved by a PE, to reduce the noise levels. Within a couple of weeks approximately 16 pieces of drywall were delivered. I assume they were installed as they were gone in a week. Shortly after, the owner asked my wife if he could go on our property. He said, “I guess the sound is still there; we are installing a door gasket, let’s see what that does.” Months passed and we heard nothing. I sent three emails to the building inspector requesting an update. No response, so I went to the office. The building inspector met with me and said he was asking the bowling alley owner to bring his sound proof engineer back to determine if the upgrade worked. I asked if this was proper protocol, as the firm was employed by the bowling alley and wouldn’t it be more neutral if he or a representative could determine. He said he was going with his proposal. This was in October, three months after our July 8 meeting.

Well as you could probably guess, problem solved, no noise! Problem is, that is untrue. To our knowledge, no one from the Oak Bluffs selectmen or building inspector has come to verify. I know for a fact none of the aforementioned contacted us to see what we thought. I asked the building inspector via email for a copy of Cavanaugh Tocci test results, including day, time and how many alleys were in use. No response.

Although it seems like a sitcom, the above is completely true. I have all my emails to prove it. All we are asking for is to be able to sit on our porch, watch television with the door open, and be able to sleep at night without feeling we are under mortar attack. I do not think this is unreasonable for two retired senior citizens who have owned their home and paid taxes for 20 years.

Actually, we want the alley to succeed. It is probably a nice night out for Island residents and selfishly we are scared to death what could go in there next. Please feel free to stop and listen for yourself, especially in the evening.

David Harte
Oak Bluffs