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Mr. Swift suggested that the Council allow a 5 decibel increase from the City's normal <br />standard of 50, even though the applicant would prefer 60 decibels. At 55 decibels, it is still <br />fairly quiet. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr asked the current frequency of trains on that track7 <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift stat~l sixteen trains per day, but it varies because of the scheduled trains <br />versus trains that come and go. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti asked how the train noise was handled on other projects? <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift stated that all other projects had noise attenuation of one sort or another built <br />into them. The most recent one, based on the same train information, was the Kaufman and <br />Broad project. The project has a high soundwall that goes along the railroad tracks and also has <br />a bigger separation than is in this project. The buildings were designed to minimize the <br />intrusion to bedrooms at the second floor level. This current project does not have the flexibility <br />that Kaufman and Broad had to utilize the site layout and the building design to accomplish that. <br />They still had to have second story sound mitigation incorporated into their buildings through <br />window treatments. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti asked about the development along Stanley Avenue. <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift stated it was a combination of soundwalls and building construction techniques. <br /> <br /> Mayor Tarver stated that if a train goes by and sounds its whistle, will it be under 55 <br />decibels in the bedroom? <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift replied that the standard in the General Plan is 50 decibels. With the whistle <br />blowing, that requires a reduction to 60 decibels. This would require a very tall soundwall (20- <br />25 feet) in conjunction with either no windows on the side of the wall facing the track or sound <br />insulated windows. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr asked if any interviewing had been done with the people on the other side of <br />the track who have lived them 40+ years and have had no soundwalls at all. <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift has been told by many that you either get used to the sound or you move. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis asked if prospective residents will be informed about the trains so they have <br />a choice. <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift replied that there is no express condition at this time but it could be added. <br /> Mr. Tarver declared the public heating open on the application. <br /> <br />01/02/96 -5- <br /> <br /> <br />