Noise Bill Is Withdrawn; Other Laws Cover Concerts

A suggested anti-noise ordinance aimed against Sunday rock concerts on the Cambridge Common was withdrawn Monday by the city councillor who introduced it-but only after it was learned that existing laws could be used against the concerts if they became too loud.

In withdrawing the ordinance he proposed a month ago, which would have established a fine of at least $25 for amplification of sound disturbing the public peace, Councillor Thomas H. D. Mahoney commented, "Enforcement [of existing laws] is the key now."

IN an opinion requested on the ordinance by the City Council, Cambridge City Solicitor Philip M. Cronin '53 stated, "It is my opinion that these and other problems which have arisen from excessive amplification of music at Cambridge common can best be regulated by an existing law...which imposes a jail term of not more than six months or a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or both for disturbing the peace."

"The emission of loud and raucous noise has long been considered conduct sufficient to constitute disturbing the peace. Proof of commission of the crime is sufficient if the acts are of such a nature as tend to annoy good citizens and do in fact annoy any one person present," Cronin's opinion stated.

commenting upon the opinion, Councillor Alfred E. Vellucci pointed out it meant that, next Sunday afternoon, a police officer could order the rock groups to lessen their noise, and arrest them if they failed to comply.

James Parry, a representative of the Cambridge Common Concert Committee, told the council a study had shown that the excessive noise from the concerts residents of buildings near the Common had complained about was primarily due to acoustic peculiarities of the buildings. WRG