Residents ask Altoona City Council to help with noise from business
Eldorado business plays recording of bird calls to repel potential pests
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Two Eldorado-area residents made a hesitant complaint to City Council Monday about noise they say has been emanating from an industrial facility in their neighborhood -- a facility they did not identify, not wanting to cause issues for the business that operates it.
The noise is a recording of bird calls designed to repel pests, and it has awakened her family in the middle of the night, said Makenzie Negri of 53rd Street, adding that she has no ill will for the business and wants to see it thrive.
The noise is equivalent in intensity to garbage trucks unloading dumpsters, added Shane McBurney of Colclesser Avenue, who stressed that he values the business and just wants council to help broker a way for the business and the neighbors to "co-exist."
"We'll have a conversation with the business and take it from there," said Mayor Matt Pacifico.
Both Negri and McBurney have gotten in touch with officials from the company without success, they said.
McBurney told a personal story to illustrate the spirit in which he likes to see disputes resolved.
Some years ago, a neighbor in an apartment house pounded on the ceiling when McBurney and his wife were making too much noise upstairs, after which the couple desisted and McBurney apologized in person -- which led to an invitation to watch a sports event at the other resident's apartment, which in turn led to a close friendship.
"A disagreement doesn't have to create an enemy," McBurney said.
Some people might label people who gripe about noise as complainers, he said.
But it's making it hard for his family and Negri's to enjoy their homes, according to McBurney.
Pushing back doesn't make them "bad neighbors," he said.
Their approach was "very respectful," said Councilman Dave Butterbaugh.
"The hope is we can (help) solve" the problem, Butterbaugh said.
Seeking grant
Council on Monday authorized an application to PennDOT for $1 million from the agency's Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for Phase 2 improvements to the downtown Transportation Center.
It would require a 30% local match, or $317,000.
Phase 1 cost $1.3 million and was 70% funded with a grant from the same source.
The Phase 1 work began in August 2024 and ended in April 2025.
It included a new HVAC system, new bathrooms, new coverings for the floor, wall and ceiling and new seats in the waiting room.
Phase 2 calls for improvements to the Amtrak platform, including electrical work, roofing and painting; and a renewal of the ventilation system in the passage over the 10th Avenue expressway that leads to the platform, city Public Works Director Nate Kissell said recently.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.