Agenda Item I1. Electric pool heating equipment at 100 Terminal Ave.
As a resident of Belle Haven living on Del Norte Ave, I am deeply concerned about the recommended staff solution to the swimming pool pumps at MPCC. The staffs’ suggestion to install the electric heating units as designed and then perform a check of the noise limits after the installation does not present a viable solution, but rather a roundabout way of moving forward with the original plan. Bell Haven residents have attended three prior meetings where we voiced our concerns in detail about the pumps; however, it appears that our community’s wellbeing is not a priority for the city. The priority is continuing forward with a plan that was flawed to begin with in that either the pumps/space were/was not measured correctly, or the city believes that Belle Haven residents, a population historically underserved and underrepresented by the city, should allow their rights to a healthy environment to be violated.
As to the suggestion of measuring the noise levels after the pumps are installed, how exactly does the city plan to obtain an accurate dBA nighttime noise level measurement at the residential property lines? Will the city have someone measure the nighttime noise limit at each individual property throughout the nighttime hours? How many nights will such a study proceed? How can the city ensure the measure is accurate and will be accurate on an ongoing basis?
Also, as noted by the City Commission, why should this neighborhood even have to live with the highest allowable decibel limit? The Commission suggested that the dBAs should be well below the limit. The Commission was instructed that this was not in their purview. So, I will pose the question: why does the city believe that the Belle Haven community should accept a minimum of even 49 dBA if mitigation factors are needed?
As to the mitigation measures offered should the first plan fail:
Sound Walls: If the city builds a sound wall between the ASHPs and the residences, it will only reduce the noise level by 1dBA. Before any further work occurs, I would like a realistic demonstration of how great of a difference 1dBA would make.
Relocation of Equipment: Pump relocation is suggested but given the fact it will entail additional measures, studies, and impact the completion timeline, the staff does not recommend it. How then does this constitute a viable mitigation measure? Neither the staff nor the visitors will be living next to the pumps. When offering solutions, it appears that the residents’ wellbeing is an afterthought.
Bell Haven residents have patiently waited for a reasonable solution to this problem. The staffs’ main solution is to proceed as planned, which basically places money and the project timeline above the health and wellbeing of the community. If the city chooses to move forward with the pump installation as suggested by staff, the only real recourse residents have is litigation.
Sincerely,
Siobhan Flynn