Type 1 sound level meters, the most technologically advanced, will measure the decibel level existing in the Old Town of Alicante during 24 hours of 21 successive days. The purpose? Address once and for all the serious problem of coexistence that neighbors have been denouncing for a long time: the leisure of those who enjoy the numerous offerings in the neighborhood clashes with the neighbors’ right to rest.
The idea is that the analysis of this data allows us to evaluate the situation by day and time period, to have a more exact view of the circumstances and act accordingly. The measurement should be completed at the end of November or beginning of December, so that the next municipal commission for this purpose can see the report in the middle of next month.
In parallel, a census of activities by type is being carried out, considering the neighborhood complaints that have occurred to date. And the municipal Department of Openings is checking the degree of compliance with the anti-noise measures already approved, such as the installation of double doors, acoustic insulation or forced ventilation.
The draft presented by the Alicante Environment, Urban Planning and Occupation of Public Roads technicians seeks to establish the scope of the special acoustic protection zones -ZPAE–, based on the problems detected due to noise coming from or related to leisure activities. night. The period to adapt to the new regulations for existing activities in the old town will be a maximum of six months.
It is also planned to establish a limitation on the granting of new licenses with musical entertainment in the area, propose the establishment of two or three zones depending on the degree of noise pollution to, based on this classification, gradually implement measures, study reductions in schedule in nightstands and premises, so that from Sunday to Thursday rest is guaranteed starting at a reasonable hour and on the weekend (Friday and Saturday) for annual or seasonal periods, in addition to regulating festive celebrations.
The plan contains other general measures related to the management of loading and unloading, presence and greater action of the Local Police or education and awareness-raising for users and premises.
The spatial scope of the acoustic protection zone includes the streets: Nelson Mandela, Zaragoza, Plaza de San Cristóbal, Argensola, Del Carmen, Plaza del Carmen, Labradores, Santo Tomás, San Andrés, San Isidro, San Pascual, Montegón, San José, Abad Penalva, Miguel Soler, San Nicolás, Abad Nájera, Santos Médicos, Cienfuegos, Virgen de Belén, Padre Maltés, San Agustín, Plaza de Quijano y Cisneros.
From the PSOE, the government team has been asked to evaluate the proposal that neighborhood representatives have made to open a Local Police checkpoint in the Old Town to combat the noise problem and guarantee compliance with the ordinances.
Councilor Raúl Ruiz proposed in turn that, once the Specific Zonal Plan for the Special Acoustic Protection Zone of the Historic Center is approved, the meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures adopted be scheduled on a quarterly basis, and not every six months, as planned.
Likewise, the socialists have stated that if necessary, they will request that the restrictions regarding store hours be the same for the entire Historic Center. However, we will wait for the technical report with the evaluation of the sound level meters before making more specific proposals.
