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Noise from HVAC system on Ballard On the Park Apartments

(77 posts)
  1. schaatser

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    I am just curious. Is anyone else being driven crazy by the sound of the HVAC system on the On the Park Apartments? I was hoping at first that it was just construction-related and temporary, but it appears that they have completely quit work on the roof and nothing is changing. I live nearby and the sound permeates the walls of my apartment with my doors and windows closed. It sounds like an airplane is constantly hovering over the top of my building. I took a walk around the neighborhood and realized that it actually gets louder a few blocks away as it echoes off the other structures. I am used to living in somewhat noisy locations and noise usually doesn't bother me much. This is just permeating and incessant and I have been having a really hard time sleeping because of it. I fear this summer when I need to sleep with the windows open. I haven't noticed this much noise coming from any of the other large buildings in the area, but maybe I haven't been paying attention since I don't live next door to them.

    Has anyone else noticed the noise? Does anyone know if they plan to shield the HVAC units? Is anyone familiar with ordinances relating to this type of noise? Do I just live in an acoustically unfortunate location?

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    wally

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    I was walking past the park this morning and noticed it. The air-cooled condensers on the top of the building have no shielding (wall, enclosure, parapet, or whatever), and they did seem kind of loud. They are also emitting tonal sounds, which can definitely be a lot more annoying than more broadband noise. The City considers hvac equipment to be noise emitters that require some sort of noise study. You can contact the Noise Control office at Seattle DPD (Dept of Planning and Development) and lodge a complaint or ask to see the study. I would hope that they'd have someone come out and measure the sound levels to make sure they comply with the code. Likely, DPD'll just ask the developer to have their guy do it. I'll be keeping an eye (or ear) on what's happening.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    west_ed

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    Lets all be sure to speak up about -- its really annoying!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  4. pandabur

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    I hope others speak up as well - I do sleep with my windows open already and can hear the low-grade constant hum. I'm on 60th and 22nd. It is annoying!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  5. J.K.

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    I don't live close, but I've noticed this the last few times I've walked by. If it continues it renders the park almost useless for sitting and relaxing, and the people who live nearby are extremely adversely affected!

    You can file an online complaint here. You'll need a real email address to verify:
    http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/complaintform/

    The info you'll need: address of the building is 5700 24th Ave NW, the company is Glacier Property Management and the phone is 206 297-7275.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  6. msballard30

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    We walked near the apts and through the park just to see whether we could hear it and we absolutely could. It sounded like a helicopter that's not far away.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  7. bbennett

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    I just heard it this morning for the first time - and it is BAD. Especially noisy to the East in line of sight of the fans on top of the structure. I think maybe they just turned it on recently as the building approaches occupancy.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  8. jeffo

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    the fact that there's two posts about this--it must be bad. although the other one referred to 'fans of ballard commons' which made me think of fanatic skateboarders.

    I'll have to stroll by and check it out. thankfully it's beyond earshot of my abode:)

    speaking of which--when's the damn store opening already? I saw conflicting reports in another post and when I drove by last night, I swear it appeared the shelves were fully stocked, including produce. those brussel sprouts aren't gonna keep ya know.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    Anonymous

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    Oh no... don't let the Brussels sprouts spoil! ;)

    Posted 3 years ago #
  10. schaatser

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    OK, I'm glad that I am not just overly sensitive. Thanks for the solidarity and the suggestions. I will look into the DPD site a bit more. It does seem like it might be a good idea for more than one person to file a complaint. Perhaps they will take it more seriously. I will also be speaking with the owner/management of my building as I think that they will want to know if something like this is adversely affecting the satisfaction of their tenants.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  11. cd6

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    We just walked by an hour ago or so, and I'll agree its really bad.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    wally

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    For what it's worth, I just checked the zoning/noise limit requirements for this site. The noise source is considered commercial. The receivers to the north and east are considered residential receivers (L3 or MR). The applicable noise limits are 57 dBA between 7am and 10pm and 47 dBA between 10pm and 7am. I'm guessing that the hvac units do not automatically turn off between 10pm and 7am and must, therefore, meet the more stringent 47 dBA noise limit. For those who don't know, 47 dBA might be difficult for them to meet. Also, if there is a tonal component, as defined in 25.08 of the Seattle Code, then the actual limits would be 52/42 day/night.

    The noise report conducted for this building (as required by DPD) should have this information.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  13. nancypants

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    This noise just is horrible and very annoying. Its like a constant loud hum. From our rooftop over looking the new complex we can see about 6 or 7 extra huge hvac units on the very top of the new apartments. I can only imagine what this is going to sound like for them especially in the summer when the windows are open.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  14. Ballard Dad

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    Wally has it right. I've done a bunch of these permits for the City and it sounds (anecdotally) like the noise level definately exceeds the required limits. Those that are annoyed should let the DPD know about it.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  15. pandabur

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    @jeffo - the sign outside the store says grand opening on Jan 13th.

    I'm going to check out the DPD site as well. I can't imagine the noise level for people who are closer than I am to that location, esp those peole who will end up living at the apartments there! Maybe since the sound is up higher, it travels through the air at a higher level. I don't hear it as much on the ground as I do on my 2nd floor.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  16. SPG

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    I don't live near there and haven't been down there to check, but I had a similar situation a few years back from the other side of the debate...
    My new office at that time had a brand new HVAC system and about a week after moving in we had a very neurotic visitor burst in to our office and demand access to our roof to investigate a noise problem. I told him to get lost. A few days later our landlord comes in and asks why I set a crazy person loose on him about weird noises. A couple days after that our HVAC installer comes out, rolling his eyes about the landlord complaining about the crazy person. He goes up on the roof and comes back rather sheepishly explaining that he's going to have to replace some part on the system. Turns out that there was a shot bearing in one of the fans that was making a really loud noise that for some reason could only be heard if you were above the unit. We couldn't hear it. Our neighbors in lower buildings couldn't hear it. But this guy who lived on a hillside a couple blocks away from us was going nuts from the noise. If he hadn't insisted that there was a noise we never would have heard it or done anything about it.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  17. Ballard Dad

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    saved you a bunch of operating energy too. If the fan had a bad bearing it was likely running way below its best efficiency point. crazy guy did you a favor! love it!

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    west_ed

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    I got a nice call back from the compliance officer at the development department -- apparently several people had filed online noise compliants or had called DPD. The inspector was great actually. Right now the HVAC units are technically over the noise limit but they have until March(!) to finish the work which will include some sort of buffer wall or enclosure around the roof units.

    The inspector was the first to acknowledge that it is a very irritating noise (he took a look in person yesterday afternoon) and they will be fined if they violate the noise levels. That said the threshold is pretty high and from ground level at the foot of the building or even across the street at ground level it is not as much of an issue. So someone across the street (58th), which is the residential zone,that has a balcony or window on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the development will have to call it in. The inspector will then be happy to measure the noise level from that location and issue a citation IF they are over the 47dba when construction is finished.

    According to the plans, the noise should drop by 13dba with the buffers installed --which may still be annoying. The inspector did say the developer was now aware of resident compliants and suggested folks need to keep up the direct citizen pressure given the reality that the code limit can only do so much and doesn't necessarily make it livable. Direct calls to the builder are also the only way to deal with this in the short term given the way the development was permitted...

    Posted 3 years ago #
  19. mickey

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    And if they comply with the regulation and the noise level is still too annoying, petition city hall to get it changed. In fact, bug them a LOT, and characterize it as a quaility of life and health issue -- noise pollution is known to cause stress and health problems over time.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  20. BaLardAss

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    What I noticed today was that the AC system on the roof is plainly visible from the ground and it's really ugly. The whole building, of course, is incredibly ugly.

    Also, I was at Aster the other day and asked a couple construction guys who were in there when the building would be done. "Hopefully never", they said, "The building's a piece of sh*t." Looks like the people of Ballard hate the building and so do the people putting it up. Great!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  21. schaatser

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    West_ed - Thanks for all of your work and feedback on this. Right now I am sitting in my living room with my TV on at a reasonable volume, doors and windows closed and the still clearly audible hum is providing strong motivation for me to do as much as I possibly can to mitigate it as soon as possible. Can you just clarify one thing? You refer to both the 'developer' and the 'builder.' Does that mean that we should contact both Glacier Property Management and the construction company or are you just referring to Glacier?

    Also, for anyone who lives in an apartment building, I would recommend that you also alert your property owner/manager. The owner of our building was very concerned when I told him how many of the tenants were unhappy with the noise and how many had said that this could be a factor that might cause them to move.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    west_ed

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    schaatser -- I think we talk to Glacier Property Management...That said, I think we should try all angles. I was going to walk by the development office this afternoon for a chat. I think talking with your property manager if you are in a apartment building adjacent or nearby, or a condo association in a condo building, and having that organization contact as well would also be useful. I think it is important to make the issue clear now before the final permits are signed off on and they declare it "finished".

    Posted 3 years ago #
  23. Chef Wahoo

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    I parked on the street when I went to QFC this morning. The noise was pretty loud from across the park on 22nd, and on 57th beside the library.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    Zeef

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    Since the only current occupant there is QFC, how about talking with their new manager to see if it is their equipment which is causing the problem? What better time to get their attention than when they're new to the 'hood'?

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    wally

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    It sounds like the issue is known and being dealt with. If the noise barrier really does achieve a 13-dBA noise reduction, that will make a huge difference. A reduction of that magnitude should resolve noise issues for the vast majority of people (there will always be someone annoyed by a noise, no matter how low the level).

    And, with all due respect to Mickey, his suggestion to try and change the noise code is a non-starter. They just changed it this year (okay, last year), and it took them several years to do that. Also, the levels set for residential receivers aren't perfect, but they are fairly protective. Particularly with the 10-dBA reduction in the noise limit that applies at night. The levels are essentially the same levels used throughout the state and you will see similar levels in most other states as well.

    Knowing that DPD is aware of the issue, that the developer is aware of the issue, and that there is a plan for a noise barrier that might achieve 13-dBA reduction is great news (even if they have until March to do it). (My phrasing regarding the 13-dBA reduction is because I'm a skeptic. Depending on a lot of factors, that could be difficult. But, it's certainly possible, so they should get the benefit of the doubt for now.)

    Hang tight. It should get better.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  26. schaatser

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    Wally - I really, really hope that you are right. The chronic sleep disruption is starting make me cranky. I have to say that I am fairly optimistic right now because of the number of other developers that have successfully managed to contain their HVAC noise. It apparently isn't rocket science.

    Now, if only I could get my unobstructed view back...

    Posted 3 years ago #
  27. mickey

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    Wally -- Thanks for the noise reduction info. I wasn't aware that city council had finally done something about it. (I lobbied them on that issue about three years ago, in regards to a project near my house. Unfortunately, I was given the brush-off by a very rude Richard McGiver.)

    And just for the record, I'm a gal.

    ;-)

    Posted 3 years ago #
  28. msballard30

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    At the Ballard District Council meeting tonight a representative of the developer was there and briefly mentioned the grand opening of the QFC and that leasing will begin in February (studios, 1-2 bedrooms, 15 townhouses, etc.). In response to a question about the HVAC issues, the rep said that the HVAC will be screened and sound dampened, which should help with the noise. She went on to add that the HVAC was for the whole building including the QFC's refridgeration. I couldn't tell whether the additional comment was simply informational or perhaps foreshadows an argument they might end up making down the line in the event sound dampening efforts don't succeed. Who knows. For now, it's just good to know that they're working on it.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  29. carlywine74

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    I actually am down the road on 24th and can here it right now. Ugh. Maybe the wind is carrying it tonight?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  30. BBO

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    Let them complete the project. I would wager that the noise will echo around the surrounding structure even with a sound enclosure. I have seen this issues on dozens of job sites.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    wally

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    BBO, They could line the interior of the barriers/walls with noise-absorbent material, if need be. That would minimize any reflected noise. I don't know if this is necessary or planned, but it's an option that's available. And the offending units are at the very top of the building where there is not much other structure to reflect off of. Because the units are so high, requiring a very high noise wall, I'd be most worried about wind load issues, not noise reflection.

    Mickey, thanks for the gender clarification. Also,the recent change in the Seattle noise code did not change the noise limits/levels. These have been the same since the 80's. It did, however, change the way the noise levels are measured to make it easier for predictive and compliance issues. Although the levels essentially remained the same, there were a bunch of other changes (e.g., regarding noise variances) that were probably more politically sensitive and took time. There are also the ongoing conflicts between nightclubs and residences downtown that were addressed to some degree. The best way to ensure that there are adequate noise protections is to make sure you live in an area considered a "residential district." The biggest problems with noise come in those commercial (and sometimes industrial) areas where people live. The limits in commercial and industrial districts are pretty high to begin with, and they aren't subject to the 10-dBA nighttime reduction.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  32. BBO

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    Wally:

    You are correct, however, if the unit is on a lower roof with higher structure on its perimeter, the sound will travel upward and still "bounce" off of the walls. I am making an assumption that it is on a lower roof being that it is currently an issue for surrounding residents.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  33. donarb

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    I was in QFC yesterday and the buzzing from the coolers in the back was louder than the Muzak.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    dosenfeld

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    The noise is horrible! I've added my complaint to the DPD website J.K. describes above (easy to do -- encourage everyone to do it).

    You can also track the original noise complaint from Jan 11 on the DPD website by entereing the address 5700 24th Ave NW in the "permit and complaint status" section, or go directly to

    http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/default.aspx?a=5700,%20,24TH,AVE,NW

    The complaint is listed as "Service Request 29967" from 1/11/2010 (along with all the other permits so it's easy to overlook).

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    Valkyrie

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    I live on 57th, I'm not sure about the source of the humming noise that keeps me awake every night, but to me it seems that it's coming from ventilation louvers of garage. Has anyone else noticed it. I guess I have to file a separate complaint about this issue. believe it or not I've been sleeping in the closet for the past week!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  36. schaatser

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    It seemed especially bad last night. I feel for you Valkyrie. It was driving me crazy, but I wasn't relegated to my closet.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    wally

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    Valkyrie, you may want to contact/complain to DPD yourself and mention your thoughts about the garage louvers. They may be focused primarily on the rooftop units. The louvers may not be on their radar, yet.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  38. J.K.

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    Hi Everyone! I just got a personal follow up phone call from inspector Jeff @ City of Seattle. He went out and measured it and talked to the company. Here's the deal -- it's too loud and exceeding levels from the north (e.g., the apartments/condos to the north) so if any of the apartment residents on the NORTH side complain, Jeff can and will ticket Glacier Property Management.

    The sound from the park and the south actually doesn't exceed noise levels officially, although Jeff said he's amazed by how persistent and annoying the sound is, and how far it carries. If it was a residential area the sound would be too loud at night but the park isn't zoned residential so can't ticket.

    The folks at Glacier are planning 2 steps to improve things. They are ordering some equipment to slow the rotation of the fans, which might reduce the pitch and intensity of the hum. They will also build a sound barrier fence. So they are aware and are working on it.

    Now, if someone residing on the North decides to complain they'll be ticketed at $600 a day until it's fixed. This may or may not be something anyone wants to do, but if they don't seem to be working on it, it may be necessary.

    Thanks Jeff!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  39. User has not uploaded an avatar

    dosenfeld

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    I got the same follow up call as J.K. and am glad Glacier is dealing with it (and happy with the city for being so responsive!). Apparently the HVAC unit was an after-design addition and thus wasn't part of the whole-building review process or else it wouldn't have been constructed in that way.

    Jeff (from the city) said the building manager's plan to mitigate the sound with a throttling device and barrier fence will be done by March or April. But when clarifying those deadlines Jeff said this is the timeline Glacier set -- the city didn't impose any deadlines. It sounds like the city's only real avenue to assure this is addressed in a timely manner is to fine Glacier as long as the building is out of complience, and fines are only possible when complaints are filed.

    So my worst fear? Glacier is delaying an expensive project and will wait to see if complaints keep up. If not, maybe they'll forgo the sound barrier fence and leave things as they are. That's just my fear, compounded by the annoyance at the pervasive hum every evening and night. If anyone sees actual construction related to the barrier fence, please post.

    Anyway, this whole issue is clearly Glacier's own doing, and it seems like the process of resident complaints and fines is the only way to encourage them to tackle the project sooner rather than later.

    So if you live north of the QFC and are as annoyed at the sound as I am, please make liberal use of the city's complaint form, especially noting the nighttime disturbance. I want to encourage quick resolution of this, and that seems to be the most effective way!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  40. J.K.

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    Thanks Dosenfield. Your follow-up makes it crystal clear that if nearby folks want action in a reasonable timeframe they may need to push for it with complaints from the north. If no one on here fits that status, it might be worthwhile for some of the other nearby residents to head over there with complaint forms, etc, and see if anyone would be willing to lodge a formal complaint. Because "march or april, maybe", eh -- not too reassuring.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  41. schaatser

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    I just did my part. However, I am right on the border of the critical area. Jeff at DPD said that it really needs to be the residents on 58th. However, due to my location on an upper level and direct line of sight to the HVAC units, he did agree to come take a reading.

    Thanks for all of the follow up information J.K. and dosenfeld.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  42. J.K.

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    Schaatser, unrelated q - are you dutch?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  43. schaatser

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    I'm not Dutch. I just happen to enjoy the Dutch national pastime.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  44. schaatser

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    I don't know if it is just me, but the noise doesn't seem quite as loud tonight. I can hear it outside, but not as much inside. Did anyone else notice? Did they turn the fans down? Is the wind blowing a different direction? Am I just getting used to it?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  45. msballard30

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    You may just be going deaf. I was in QFC tonight and was once again amazed at the noise level at the back of the store. Ugh.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  46. schaatser

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    Maybe I can thank the early onset of my spring allergies. Yay abnormally warm weather! I won't be able to hear clearly for at least 4 more months now.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  47. luluseattle

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    I was in QFC the day after opening. I wandered to the back and immediately felt nervous. It was the loud humming coming from the refrigeration system. My friend and I mentioned it to the manager- he acknowledged it and looked perplexed. My friend happens to be a contractor and advised the manager that the contractor was to blame and the install was done incorrectly. My friend stated it was an easy fix, maybe not a cheap fix. The manager agreed it was an issue and stated he was working on it. All the humming is clearly from their refrig system. It is up to us to push for a correction. No one needs to be sleepless for the mistakes of the contractor! If we complain enough QFC will correct it.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    Valkyrie

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    You know, I can't take it! it seems that it's actually getting louder, and when you're sleep deprived you think of crazy stuff like class suit action against the builder and QFC! To either force them to fix the problem or pay for noise control windows for the suffering neighbors.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  49. msballard30

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    I went to Bartell's last night and was amazed and how loud it is, even from there. I feel so sorry for you, Valkyrie.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  50. DDF

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    I shopped there ONCE. Just ONCE. I went into the back of the store and it was so noisy I had to leave. Crappy store.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  51. motorrad

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    For those of you that do not live in the area. Take a walk around the park, cross the street to the library. You can drive down 59th between 22nd and 24th and get out and listen to it there as it echos and reflects off building walls. It is loud, It resonates through glass.

    With the state of computer modeling in the engineering fields it is no accident that these audio levels are this high. This is a well studied part of the building process. They knew they were over. No way not to. The specs are well documented for that machinery. If it was across the street from the homes decision makers at the Development Co., there would already be a hush over the neighborhood. They have known about it for a long time, this fixes are simple. Yet they choose to do NOTHING. Time to start filing the complaints and start racking up the fines which will be ignored and then we can try to get class action status for a law suit.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  52. saffythepook

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    We were there on Saturday for the first time and were amazed at how loud they are. Perhaps if people who lived in the surrounding rental units collectively told their landlords they would not renew their lease due to the noise, they'd get some bigger dogs into the fight.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  53. schaatser

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    I talked to someone at the city. He told me that while extremely annoying and due to zoning, the only area where the noise is not in compliance is just north of the QFC. It is the people on 58th and 59th between 22nd and 24th that have to complain. He also said that the sound levels on the north side of 59th are borderline as far as compliance is concerned. I was also told that the HVAC units on the top of the building were an afterthought and were not included in the original plans. I did talk to my landlord and he was very concerned about the noise, but if annoying noise is still within compliance levels there isn't much that anyone can do. (This was also confirmed by a friend who is a real estate lawyer.) My recommendation is for those on 58th and 59th that are bothered by by the noise to call the numbers listed above.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  54. pandabur

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    What about those of us on 60th St between 22nd and 24th?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  55. schaatser

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    My understanding is that they took several readings around the area and that while the sound is still incredibly annoying at ground level north of 59th, it probably isn't in violation of the noise ordinances. Like I said, the south side of 59th was considered borderline. However, if you are on an upper floor further away, you may actually be getting noise levels that are in violation. I would still continue to make the complaints to the city and perhaps continually remind Glacier and possibly even the QFC manager that the neighbors are not happy with the current situation.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  56. User has not uploaded an avatar

    wally

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    Pandabur, if it is borderline on 59th, it will easily be in compliance on 60th.

    The noise, although very audible, at the park, library, etc. is certainly in compliance. This is the kind of work I do, and I can tell that the overall levels would comply with the daytime limits. That doesn't mean it's not annoying/audible, just that it is legal. North of the QFC, I haven't been there to listen. The City seems to know it's not in compliance, though, so I'm sure it's in the process of being fixed. The City does not tend to let non-compliance issues drop once they are discovered.

    As far as the modeling/engineering of the noise pre-construction, a lot can change between planning and construction. The City said the rooftop units weren't considered (wtf?). They are huge and would seem a likely candidate for consideration.

    Finally, I haven't been inside the new QFC, but the interior noise from the cooling units may not have any effect on the exterior noise. I don't know where the units are located or if they are contributing to the exterior levels. I'm just mentioning that it may be a completely separate issue. And there would be no limits on the interior noise (as long as it meets OSHA sound level limits for industrial workers).

    Posted 3 years ago #
  57. pandabur

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    I don't really hear it (enough to be an issue) walking on 60th Strett or when I'm on my first floor, but I definitely do on my 2nd floor, which happens to be my bedroom.

    So, I see the issue I (and anyone else on my street w/ a 2nd floor) will face. If someone walks by on the sidewalk on 60th, the noise level is well within compliance. I would have to have someone test the sound level from my 2nd floor to hear the problem.

    I'm not going to worry about it too much until the March deadline someone posted a while ago.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  58. schaatser

    schaatser

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    Member

    The guy that I spoke with at the city office told me that people on upper floors may actually hear noise that is out of compliance. I am in the same situation. I would encourage you to call the city and have them come check from your unit. If people living in areas where the noise levels are out of compliance file complaints, then there are fines that can be imposed on the property owners/developers until they mitigate the problem.

    Posted 3 years ago #
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    Valkyrie

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    Member

    It seems that people like me who are living on 57th don't have much of luck. The city inspector was here the other day, he mentioned that although they had received many complaints, none was from the residents on 58th street, and because of the zoning, the only people who can file a compliant are those guys.
    Also I've been told the, the walls won't get installed anytime sooner than April, and they'll have STC of 10dB at most (should effectively reduce the perceived noise by half in the range of 48dB compared to current 58)
    If you're living on 58th and reading this and are bothered by the noise, PLEASE contact the city.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  60. I wonder if some fliers with info on how to file a complaint passed around that area might help encourage people to file?

    Posted 3 years ago #

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