Public sounds off on noise law

Sampling the public’s opinion, Oconee’s elected leaders heard some words of caution against a noise ordinance so strict that it could cost the county jobs. Bountyland resident Don Leslie, telling the council that he is pro-business, said while he also believes there should be “teeth” in a noise ordinance, but not enough that it would drive industry away. Keowee Key resident Ben Turetsky said he is a retired Michelin employee and is concerned that his former company a strict noise law may make it feel unwelcome in Oconee and, instead, locate its proposed distribution center elsewhere, such as Greenville County. But Gary Littlefield asked the council to consider the rights of an Oconee homeowner. “We’re not defining how loud is too loud,” he said. Littlefield believes outside noise is too loud if a resident can hear it inside his home with doors and windows closed.