Madison Heights advocates pushing change

By Scott Marshall

Published: December 31, 2008

Residents’ efforts to spruce up and advocate for the Old Town Madison Heights neighborhood continued this year, the latest being signs erected to mark the area.

The signs were the culmination of a yearlong effort.

In 2008, residents advocated for a noise ordinance, which the Board of Supervisors now are considering.

The ordinance would be countywide.

For months, residents have asked for stricter laws due to excessive noise from loiterers, car engines and barking dogs. Sheriff’s deputies have faced confusion in enforcing the current law, said County Attorney J. Vaden Hunt, who said a proposed new ordinance would give the county “more teeth” for enforcement.

Hunt drafted an ordinance that set a level that could not exceed 65 decibels from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The level is lowered to 52 decibels in residential areas.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Robinson said the biggest noise issue deputies encounter is loud music. A total of 180 complaints were made from January to November.

Residents also have advocated for a curfew, which also must be countywide to avoid constitutional challenges. Numerous localities statewide, such as the city of Danville and Henrico County, have curfews.

An alternative would be an anti-loitering ordinance.

Residents also lobbied for the county to change aging bulbs in about 100 streetlights in the area. The new lights would be as bright as those on the Carter Glass Bridge leading to the county from Lynchburg.