Despite more concerns, Franklin Common Council votes to raise noise limits at The Rock for dozens of events

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The latest battle in Franklin over the noise levels at The Rock was waged Tuesday night, May 6.

Neighbors are upset there could be dozens more events that could bring loud noise to their neighborhoods.

The Franklin Common Council approved dozens more days of events at The Rock that will likely be louder than what was originally agreed to.

Neighbors say for years, the decibel levels from the games, fireworks, concerts, and special events have been too loud, at times even shaking their homes.

The city has taken some steps to cap the decibel levels.

But Tuesday night, the council agreed to raise the noise limit from 55 dB at the property line to 60 dB for some events, and to 65 dB for Milkmen games.

It may not seem like a lot, but it’s another win for The Rock.

At the meeting, CEO Michael Zimmerman said the city must raise the noise cap or he cannot operate the Milkmen.

“I’m not going to continue to do minor league baseball in the city at 55 dB, I’ll tell you that right now.”

But neighbors -many of whom have spent years trying to limit the impact on their neighborhoods- again spoke out against a plan they say benefits one company while harming the community.

John Czaskos asked the council, “Why is it always in their favor, instead of the constituents’ favor? I ask you. Think about that.”

Dana Gindt said, “Approving events that violate established sound limits is not economic development. It’s a government sanctioned public nuisance.”

But Zimmerman told them, “In terms of the product quality, whether it be this or Milkmen, the product quality suffers.”

A soundcheck will happen Thursday evening.