Fishkill board keeps current quiet hours, opts to add decibel meter standard and continues noise ordinance hearing

The Town Board opened and heard public comment on a proposed repeal-and-replace of the town's noise ordinance (chapter 108). Two written statements read into the record—one from Peter Samur and one from Marie Sprock—argued that relaxing quiet hours would harm residents’ sleep, health and property values and disproportionately benefit nearby commercial projects. Both letters urged the board to reject any weakening of the current ordinance (Peter Samur; Marie Sprock).

Board discussion focused on enforcement mechanics and measurable standards. Several board members said they opposed changing the current quiet-hour times but supported adding a decibel (dB) threshold and a calibrated decibel meter or sound‑level meter to provide objective enforcement. The board instructed staff to redraft the ordinance to retain current quiet‑hour time ranges while including decibel‑meter language and continue the public hearing to the August 5 meeting so members can review a new draft and vote then (Supervisor Albra; Cooper).

What’s next: Town staff will add decibel thresholds and enforcement language to the draft local law and post the revised version following planning/building-department input; the public hearing will reconvene on August 5 for final public comment and a possible vote.