Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Freeway noise

[Bob M . LKG1-3/A11 226-7570 (morrison]

  Due to the large volume of postings recently, I got behind on reading the
list and have just now caught up with the discussion about the site adjoining
the freeway.
  Someone several days ago said that having double-pane windows helps reduce
noise. This brings up something I was going to talk about. The technology
exists to sound-insulate homes. One reason why it exists is that commonly-used
procedures for thermal insulation (which most cohousers favor) also provide
good sound insulation. Another reason is that many people live near airports
and use sound insulation to reduce airport noise. This is often subsidized by
the government, and the volume of work being done on this is such that the
technology should be known to contractors in all metropolitan areas that have
an airport noise problem.
  Sound insulation is useless unless the windows and doors are kept closed. 
Are the future residents of Peninsula Cohousing (if they choose this site)
willing to keep their windows closed whenever they want peace and quiet, no 
matter how good the weather is? I choose to do this because most of the 
places I have lived in have a lot of outdoor noise of various kinds, includ-
ing freeways (not real close, but audible), and I dislike noise. But I know 
many people dislike keeping their windows closed. It makes the air a little 
stuffier and means running the A/C a little more. Not only will whoever lives
on this site need to make this tradeoff, but each household will need to
reach an agreement with themselves on this. If one person can't stand to
keep the windows closed and the other can't stand noise, there could be
trouble!
  Another concern I have is that, unlike New England, the Bay Area has a good
climate and people spend a lot of time outside year round. Will the noise be
a disturbance while people are outside? Erecting a sound barrier will probably
be enough to prevent this from being a problem.
  The original poster said this site is near public transportation. How near
is the nearest commuter rail station? He also mentioned a trolley stop. How
near is it? Is this part of the San Jose light rail system? If so, will it 
provide convenient access to shopping, workplaces, etc.? I think people 
would be more willing to live with noise if they can avoid driving most of 
the time or even get by without owning a car at all.

Bob Morrison

Home: Boxboro, MA               Work: Digital Equipment Corp., Littleton, MA