Belmont curfew, noise limits on town warrant

Prompted by complaints of village residents during the last few months, town officials have prepared two new zoning ordinances aimed at restricting unwanted and noisy behavior in the community.

On Election Day, March 11, voters will have the chance to approve a new curfew ordinance that would keep youngsters under 16 years old out of the village area between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., and a new noise nuisance ordinance that would restrict unnecessary noises between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays.

Disobeying the curfew could result in fines up to $250 for a child’s parent or guardian.

Violating the noise nuisance ordinance could draw a $100 fine but Belmont Police would be required to warn someone about their behavior before issuing a fine.

The idea for both measures grew out a petition signed by more than 80 village residents several months ago that requested the Board of Selectmen institute a youth curfew. Members of the group said their peace and quiet is being severely impacted by young people who congregate in the area late at night.

Police Chief Vinnie Baiocchetti — who reported that signers of the petition didn’t want to be publicly identified because they’re afraid of retaliation — told the selectmen at a meeting late last year that his department have seen a growing “juvenile problem” in the village over the last decade. He said police officers have seen children as young as 10-years-old congregating in the village late at night and into the early morning hours, and being involved in unwanted activities like assaults, threatening behavior and suspected drug use.

One police officer said he confiscated a knife from a 15-year-old youngster, and the chief said it was not the first of such incidences.?Not long afterwards the Shaker Regional School Board indicated its general support for the curfew idea, noting the reported activities were clearly unsafe for children.

The new curfew is aimed specifically at restricting kids from gathering in the village area including sections in and around Sargent Park, the bandstand park, the Belmont Mill, Belmont Middle School, Pout Pond, Main Street, the intersection of Rte. 106 and 140, and Church Hill up to Seavey Road.

An exception would be made for kids in the company of an immediate family member 18 years of age or older, or with an individual 21-years-old or older who is designated by the child’s parents or guardian to supervise the child. (The overseer must be “of good moral character, not under the influence of intoxicating beverages, drugs or other debilitating substance,” the ordinance reads.)

For a first violation, Belmont Police or another appropriate authority will bring the child home.

A second offense will mean the parent or guardian can be fined $50.

A third offense will be subject to a $100 fine and subsequent offenses could bring fines up to $250.

The noise nuisance ordinance would address another problem the village residents have complained about — loud noises from the young people driving around in cars. While it was being discussed at meetings of the Selectboard, other residents brought up concerns about fireworks and other noisy activities — including fireworks — that occur, especially during the summer and on holidays.

The ordinance aims to “promote an environment free from excessive noise which unnecessarily jeopardized the health and welfare of the citizens of the Town of Belmont and degrades the quality of life in this community,” it reads.

Generally the ordinance forbids unnecessary noise after 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays.

One section specifically outlines prohibitions against “unnecessary noise from motor vehicles” including “the operation of an electronically amplified sound system… so as to produce sound that is clearly audible… more than 50 feet form the motor vehicles.”

Also prohibited is “misuse of power” including “laying down or peeling rubber, or excessive acceleration where there is no emergency,” and other disturbing noises that could come from a vehicle’s breaking, transmission or acceleration system.

At the same time, the ordinance makes allowances for “certain noise-producing equipment (that is)… essential to the economy and quality of life of the community.”