City of Newport Faces Lawsuit Over Pickleball Courts Noise Nuisance
The City of Newport is facing a legal battle over its pickleball courts, as residents Mona Barbera and Warren Garner have filed a lawsuit claiming that the noise from the game and its players has disrupted their peace and enjoyment of their home on Dyer Gate.
Attorney Michael Mineau filed the complaint on behalf of his clients, arguing that the installation of pickleball courts in Hunter Park in 2016 has led to an increase in noise levels due to the nature of the game and its popularity. The couple alleges that the noise has interfered with their daily activities, such as reading, resting, and working from home.
The complaint also highlights the efforts made by Barbera and Garner to address their concerns with the city, including meetings with city officials and the submission of a noise evaluation report from an Acoustical Engineering consultant. The report found that the noise levels during a game of pickleball exceeded the background noise in the area, prompting the couple to seek legal action.
In response to the lawsuit, the city has made some changes to the pickleball court usage, including altering the hours of play and styles allowed in an attempt to address the noise complaints. However, Mineau and his clients believe that these measures are insufficient and are seeking a permanent injunction to restrict pickleball play in the park.
The lawsuit sheds light on the ongoing debate over the impact of recreational activities on residential neighborhoods and the challenges faced by local governments in balancing the interests of all parties involved. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for other communities grappling with similar issues related to noise and recreational facilities.
