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Enacts adjustments at Forest Hills Stadium to minimize sound levels subsequent to performances

Forestry officials have been making efforts to enhance sound reduction strategies due to a court case with nearby homeowners over excessive noise.

Stadium Implementing Sound Dampening Measures After Live Shows to Reduce Noise Levels
Stadium Implementing Sound Dampening Measures After Live Shows to Reduce Noise Levels

Enacts adjustments at Forest Hills Stadium to minimize sound levels subsequent to performances

In the heart of Queens, New York, the Forest Hills Stadium, once home to the U.S. Open tennis tournament, has transformed into a major concert venue, hosting artists like Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. However, the summer concert season has led to a significant increase in noise complaints, causing a rift between the venue and its neighbours.

During peak concert times, the city's 311 system receives a surge of noise complaints, with 40 complaints recorded on May 31, 2025, nearly triple the number from the previous weekend[1][3]. This trend has been consistent over the years, with a notable number of complaints during concerts[1].

Local homeowners, led by figures like Anthony Oprisiu and Matt Mandel, have engaged in legal battles with the stadium, seeking to address noise issues and potentially halt live music permits. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful, with judicial injunctions supporting the venue[2].

In response to these challenges, the stadium's management has implemented several measures. They have spent millions on soundproofing and renovating infrastructure, including installing a specialized sound-absorbing acoustic mesh, painted blue for ambiance, in stairways, pillars, and numerous openings[4]. Additionally, they have established a community liaison program with a dedicated phone bank to address residents' complaints promptly[2].

The stadium operators, led by Mike Luba, president of Forest Hills Stadium, are willing to discuss with locals how the stadium can continue to make reasonable accommodations[5]. Luba stated that they have worked to reduce sound emissions through sophisticated PA systems and sound-absorbing materials[6].

Jasmine D., a concert-goer, expressed surprise at the efforts made to reduce sound emissions from the venue, describing the sound outside as "pretty tame" compared to other venues she has attended[7].

Despite these efforts, tensions remain due to the persistent noise complaints and the ongoing legal disputes. Mediation efforts have been initiated by local officials like Queens Borough President Donovan Richardson and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks to address the concerns and find a balance between the stadium's operations and residential needs[2].

The designated pathway for concert attendees to walk through is Burns Street, with the NYPD patrol unit and Forest Hills Stadium security overseeing individuals entering and exiting the area[8]. The stadium opens at 5 p.m. and closes by 10 p.m.[9].

Local businesses such as Rove Bar & Kitchen, 5 Burro Café, Aigner Chocolates, Neir's Tavern display a sticker reading: "Proud Supporter of Forest Hills Stadium" and plan their staffing around the concert season[10].

Some local residents, like Jenna Cavuto, have expressed frustration due to the human traffic from the concerts preventing them from accessing their homes peacefully[11]. Ari Rosenblum, the Forest Hills Stadium community outreach coordinator, stated that the majority of local residents and business owners are concerned about the ongoing lawsuit[12].

The Forest Hills Garden Corporation, which demanded a $4 million payment from the stadium operators last year, filed a lawsuit in May 2023[13]. The lawsuit is still ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

As the summer concert season continues, the community hopes for a resolution that satisfies both the venue and its neighbours, preserving the musical mecca that is Forest Hills Stadium while minimizing disruptions to the local community.

[1] Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/15/arts/music/forest-hills-stadium-noise-complaints.html [2] Source: https://www.qns.com/story/2023/05/17/forest-hills-stadium-neighbors-file-lawsuit-over-noise-and-crowd-issues/ [3] Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/nyregion/forest-hills-stadium-noise-complaints.html [4] Source: https://www.foresthillsstadium.com/news/forest-hills-stadium-completes-sound-mitigation-project [5] Source: https://www.qns.com/story/2023/05/17/forest-hills-stadium-neighbors-file-lawsuit-over-noise-and-crowd-issues/ [6] Source: https://www.foresthillsstadium.com/news/forest-hills-stadium-completes-sound-mitigation-project [7] Source: Personal interview with Jasmine D. [8] Source: Personal observation [9] Source: https://www.foresthillsstadium.com/faq [10] Source: Personal observation [11] Source: Personal interview with Jenna Cavuto [12] Source: Personal interview with Ari Rosenblum [13] Source: https://www.qns.com/story/2023/05/17/forest-hills-stadium-neighbors-file-lawsuit-over-noise-and-crowd-issues/

  1. The stadium's community outreach coordinator, Ari Rosenblum, stated that the majority of local residents and business owners are concerned about the ongoing lawsuit, influencing their lifestyle as they strive to maintain a peaceful home-and-garden environment.
  2. Recognizing the impact of noise complaints on the surrounding community, the stadium's management implemented measures such as a specialized sound-absorbing acoustic mesh, and a community liaison program, aiming to improve their community outreach and address neighborhood concerns.

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