Groton ― The Town Council has decided not to enact a noise ordinance after hearing Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. discuss ways his officers handle excessive noise.

Town Councilor David McBride said at last week’s Town Council Committee of the Whole meeting that he made a referral to discuss implementing a noise ordinance because many residents were complaining about noise, particularly in downtown Mystic.

Fusaro said there were 145 noise complaints in Groton in 2022. So far this year there have been 70 complaints, which is down from 2022 when there were 84 from Jan. 1, 2022, to July 25, 2022.

Fusaro said the majority of the complaints are from downtown Mystic, a historic district with businesses and residences. He said people want to live in the beautiful area, and it’s now a top tourist attraction where a lot of people visit.

Fusaro said his position on a potential noise ordinance hasn’t changed since the Town Council discussed the idea in 2018. He said he’s not sure it would help, and he is concerned it would create unintended consequences.

He discussed some of the pitfalls of a noise ordinance. He said sound-measuring equipment would be expensive and require calibration, and police officers would need to be trained on how to use it. He also mentioned “hidden costs,“ such as overtime costs when officers testify in court after issuing a citation under a town ordinance.

He said colleagues from other communities recommended against implementing an ordinance, because it can create problems such as taking officers away from other tasks and creating conflict between neighbors.

Fusaro said police most of the time ask residents and businesses to turn down the noise, but police can issue infractions or take further enforcement action if warranted.

Fusaro said there is a state law for creating a public disturbance, which is an infraction. People can be fined about $100 for a violation.

Sgt. Richard Sawyer said police take a common-sense approach and have community policing tools. Most officers’ approach is to start with one-on-one conversations with people to address noise.

That includes officers having conversations with business owners, telling them they understand they are running a business but it’s important to keep the noise down because people live in the area. He said usually businesses understand, but police can issue infractions if businesses keep cranking music.

The councilors did not pursue a noise ordinance but instead asked questions and suggested ideas, such as the town possibly sending letters to businesses causing noise problems.

“I’m in favor of what you are currently doing and the way that you’re approaching community policing,” said Town Councilor Bruce Jones, who also asked if police needed any more tools.

McBride also said he would not be in favor of moving forward on an ordinance the police chief opposes.

Fusaro said he supports a holistic approach to addressing noise.

Fusaro said the parking problem in Mystic also creates cascading effects, including traffic and noise, such as people talking on the way to their cars. He encouraged the council to take action on the parking issue.

k.drelich@theday.com