Editor, The Spotlight;
Thank you for that detailed and insightful, well-written story, “Dirt-bike dust-up,” which appeared starting on the front page of the April 30 Spotlight.
I am among those who strongly side with the golf course owner, as I also strongly object to needless and/or loud noise pollution.
I also feel that it is very unfair and hurtful that the noisy and polluting dirt bikes, which also tear up turf, are operated so close to a serene and tranquil country club.
I assume that the dirt bike operators/family/ et al. did not first check with or talk to prospective neighbors, country club visitors, etc., about the effects of the noise pollution — at least that would have been a thoughtful gesture, and another indication that the dirt bike operators might or would have others’ concerns for and right to peace and quiet in mind, thinking beyond themselves and their form of loud recreation.
Hopefully, the bikes’ operation will be much quieted to everyone’s satisfaction, the operators finding and using noise-mitigation measures, or selling the land, returning it to a quieter, much more in harmony with Nature, state.
If the riders/family can afford all that acreage of land, they can afford noise mitigation measures such as effective mufflers. Or they could move.
Too bad for them if the dirt bikes don’t “perform” as well if they are run much more quietly.
Meanwhile, I hope the Town of Bethlehem’s Noise Ordinance can be strengthened to extend the ban on needless noise over 65 decibels. There are persons such as myself who don’t want to be disturbed by needless noise — even including the clang and clank and jingle and jangle of wind chimes.
John Morse
Delmar
