As reported in the Democrat on Tuesday, there’s been an ongoing discussion in the Town of Delaware about how to regulate noise from local businesses and prevent it from affecting neighbors during the nighttime hours.

Delaware considered a proposal to push the beginning of quiet hours for Callicoon’s B1 zoning district from 9 to 10 pm. Many residents who attended the meeting were in opposition to such an extension. 

It’s a common problem in Sullivan County throughout the summer months, as our population balloons in size and more people are enjoying time outdoors. 

There’s outdoor summer concerts, small live music venues, weddings, festivals. occasional fireworks and backyard parties, just to name a few. 

On its face, 10 p.m. does not seem like an unreasonable time to begin quiet hours. After all, during some parts of the summer it’s still light out at 9 p.m. On the other hand, things don’t always settle down exactly when quiet hours begin. We understand there are some people who have to rise for work early in the morning  and count on getting a good night’s rest. 

It’s not a unique debate to Delaware. Bethel is another town in Sullivan County that has grappled with regulating noise in recent months. Yasgur Road Productions, a camping and live music venue on Route 17B not far from Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, was granted a noise permit earlier this year that allows them to operate on certain weekends until midnight. 

Neighbors on nearby properties have complained about music late into the early morning hours. Yasgur Road Productions’ owner, Jeryl Abramson, has appeared before the town board to hear her neighbors’ concerns. All parties, including the town board, have tried to work together to find an amicable solution that allows businesses to operate successfully while still respecting their neighbors. 

Board members in Delaware will have to reach a similar understanding. The board ultimately decided to seek the advice of their town planner and draft the language for a local law that would alter the quiet hours should the board decide to move ahead. 

For many businesses throughout Sullivan County, the summer months are their busiest time of year and when they make the kind of money they need to survive another winter. Of course it’s easy to ignore the noise if you don’t live next door. 

By working together and respecting each other’s point of view, business can thrive and neighbors can get some sleep. 

We urge the town board to consider extending quiet hours until 10:30 p.m. at least for the weekends in the summer.