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Public hearing scheduled for proposed noise ordinance

HANOVER — The Hanover Town Board will hold a public hearing today on a proposed noise ordinance following ongoing complaints over the use of propane cannons.

The public hearing will precede the board’s regular monthly meeting.

Since last year, Hanover has been plagued with occasional, but persistent, use of propane cannons from a grape farmer. Propane cannons are propane-powered gas guns which produce a periodic explosion. The audible bang can reach very loud volumes, in excess of 150 decibels, causing a flight reaction in birds.

Cannon fire is not uncommon on farms to scare away birds and other wildlife. However, laws and restrictions vary from town to town.

In Hanover, there is no noise ordinance in place to stop farmers from using the cannons at the present time. However, the board is hosting a public hearing for a proposed noise ordinance. If passed, the cannons will not be permitted to use during the times of 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. through 6 a.m. from Friday through Saturday.

In the ordinance there are also eight certain acts declared to be violations. Included in this is unreasonably loud music, yelling, shouting or singing that is unreasonable; operation of machinery or equipment that makes unreasonable noise between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.; operation of any construction tools or machinery between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless an emergency; operating a car that makes loud or explosive noises; tires that make unnecessary noise on public streets; unreasonable barking, howling and other animal noises that continue for more than 15 minutes; and noise caused by loading or unloading equipment, material or supplies for deliveries between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

There are also exemptions to the ordinance, which include church bells, horns and sirens of trains and emergency vehicles, parades, concerts or other community gatherings, non-commercial public speaking, domestic power tools for property repair or improvements; lawn mowers between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., snow removal equipment at any time, and the use of vehicles for agriculture purposes at any time.

The board meeting starts at 7:30 p.m., with the public hearing scheduled for 7:35 p.m. To join the meeting, call the Hanover clerk’s office at 934-2273.

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