OFF THE WIRE
KENNEBUNK — Resident Claire Unsinn came before the Board of Selectmen on April 26 to ask the board why so little has been done in town to address the issue of motorcycle noise.
Unsinn, who first came before the board in 2009 with a citizens petition containing the signatures of 275 residents concerned over noisy bikes, said the Kennebunk Police Department and others have made some effort, but it isn't enough.
Noting that local departments conducted check points last year designed to educate motorcycle owners on noise issues — particularly those caused by illegal, aftermarket mufflers, Unsinn said it is time to build on that "summer of education."
"Now is the time to usher in the summer of enforcement," she said.
Selectman Bob Higgins pointed out that the town has posted signs warning riders about excessive noise and has been closely following what was happening on the state level.
Selectman Kevin Donovan, a lieutenant with the Maine State Police, said prosecuting motorcycle noise cases has proven to be almost impossible, with most cases thrown out by judges.
Higgins requested that Police Chief Bob MacKenzie attend the next selectmen meeting to bring the board and residents up to date on the department's efforts to deal with the noise.
The board also heard from Amy Safford, chairman of the Festival Committee, on the upcoming "Old Home Week," which will take place from July 4 to 9 in town.
Safford said the celebration took place for many years in Kennebunk and was started in the early 1900s. The committee had decided to resurrect it, with events including Shakespeare in the Park, the Kennebunk Free Library Road Race, a Rotary Club chicken barbecue and others.
On Saturday, July 9, Quest Fitness will be running a family fun walk and a "family traditions" parade will be held, along with sack races and a petting zoo, antique car show, street dance, variety show and live music. A lobster bake will help the committee raise funds for future events, Safford said, noting that the events are designed to benefit all of downtown.
"We hope to generate income for the merchants and the community," she said.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110428-NEWS-104280358
