Noise Across Monona Update

I contacted the 's offices of the county executive and the mayor of madison regarding last weekend's noise from across the lake. First point, the Alliant Energy Center and the Ironman event have to be considered separately. Different venues with different governance.

Topf Wells, chief of staff for Kathleen Falk, emailed back that she and Supervisor Schmidt each have made inquiries to county staff in order to respond to some of the noise complaints regarding the Willow Island events.

"As we get this information and figure out options for next season (this one, as you know, is about finished), we'll be in communication with you and the other folks who care about this."

I also talked with Joel Plant, an assistant to Mayor Cieslewicz, and he was also very responsive. He indicated that the event permits get tweaked every year. The city has recorded the various complaints and those will be factored in when next year's permit is reviewed. My sense was that the city took the complaints seriously, recognized there was a problem and will work to fix it. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised - I thought I might get a pat on the head and a figurative shove out the door.

The city has also passed on the concerns to Ironman directly. I did the same, but have had no response yet.

Encouraging cooperation from our neighbors.

Noisy Weekend

Addendum: The noise on Sunday night was from the Ironman event and not from the Alliant Center. I am told that Ironman calls out the number of each competitior as they cross the finish line until midnight. There were 106 finishers between 11 pm and midnight and 181 between 10 pm and 11 pm. A suggestion: Next year, turn off the amplification at 10 pm.

Original Post with correction

Between outdoor concerts and the Ironman Triathlon, the city across the lake was pumping noise our way all weekend. The Ironman public address system worked very well. I knew what was going on at all times - starting at six freaking o'clock in the A.M.

A call to Monona PD established that they had received numerous complaints on Saturday morning, but because the noise emanated from Madison they had no authority to do anything.

To top it off, the Ironman felt compelled to alert us to the results by blasting it over the PA system (at Monona Terrace). These continued until midnight. On a Sunday night, a work night, a school night. Midnight.

I sent an email to County Executive Falk and Mayor D.C. late Sunday night. I await their reply. Tuesday evening: Still waiting.

I live a short block off the lake and atop Monona Ridge. Anyone else get annoyed by the noise?