Mérida residents and businesses return to battle lines over noise

As the city comes back to post-lockdown life, noise complaints have returned. Mérida officials have sanctioned 15 restaurants and bars and 10 other businesses since January for ignoring warnings about excessive noise, said Federico Sauri Molina, head of the department of urban development. Businesses can be forced to close between two and three weeks for…

The constant buzz from Harinera del Sureste is eating us alive, but authorities are deaf

The following was translated from an opinion piece published Thursday, Dec. 17 in La Jornada Maya: By Hugo Michel Merida has not been so quiet at night since the curfew was imposed. There are no more cars, motorcycles, trucks, horns that cause noise and prevent having quiet nights. Unfortunately one remains, irreducible, permanent, penetrating, which…

Newspaper prompts probe into 24-hour engine noise from factory

The constant, headache-inducing engine noise from an expanded flour plant is under investigation by Mérida city government. Harinas del Sureste, operated by Grupo CMG, has been the source of irritation for neighbors three to four blocks away since it upgraded its equipment and more than doubled capacity in 2018. On the eastern edge of the…

Flour plant noise complaints go unanswered for 2 years

Mérida, Yucatán — It sounds like jets getting ready to take off, but it’s actually the sound of flour being processed on Calle 52. The flour mill’s roar can be heard almost to the Paseo de Montejo, three blocks away, and after more than two years neighbors have had enough. Harinas del Sureste unveiled its…

Along with tourists and holiday celebrations, noise complaints return

Along with tourists and holiday celebrations, noise complaints return

Decreasing coronavirus infections and the Hanal Pixan holiday weekend appear to have combined to bring back an issue that until now appeared dormant. Noise. Complaints about excessive party noises have been increasingly common on social media. It’s the sign of Merida’s high-season awakening. Tourists also appear to be returning, at least on weekends. A tour…

Salsa classes finally canceled after noise complaints from neighbors

A Cuban dance school in the Miguel Alemán neighborhood is covered with red stickers, shut down by authorities for excessive noise that kept neighbors up while teachers gave late-night salsa lessons. Dance schools are also among the businesses not allowed to operate under coronavirus contingencies. This school not only stayed open, but operated at irregular…

After the pandemic, an opportunity to ‘reset’ the Centro, say activists
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After the pandemic, an opportunity to ‘reset’ the Centro, say activists

One of the most important lessons from the pandemic is the importance of public health, and how our own behavior is a factor in preventing or spreading illness. That’s the message from Todos Somos Merida, whose anti-noise campaign targeted the very nightclubs and bars that disappeared early on during the coronavirus lockdown. This unprecedented crisis…

The Centro was designed for peaceful living, cantinas and all

El Dzalbay, one of Merida’s popular bars, was shut down last week for playing music at a volume that exceeds the law. Reactions definitely came from two different mindsets. Some of Merida’s citizenry are saying that the Centro should not be zoned residential, and those who live there should either put up with the noise…

University students design noise monitors for the Centro Historico

University students design noise monitors for the Centro Historico

Merida, Yucatan — Continuing a campaign against noise pollution, city authorities are collaborating with the Autonomous University of Yucatan. UADY will design, build and install a technical system that translates into English as “Intelligent Digital Dome: Monitoring of Environmental Noise in the Historic Center of Mérida.” A system of 25 wireless and energy-independent noise-monitoring devices…

Noise laws are not being enforced, group tells Merida officials

Noise laws are not being enforced, group tells Merida officials

Merida, Yucatan — Noise problems continue in several neighborhoods despite new regulations. Residents met with Urban Development department officials Thursday morning to file a series of noise complaints, saying municipal officials aren’t enforcing the regulations. The new measures limit the decibel level and hour of the day businesses, and even private homes, can generate noise…

Merida city council passes noise regulations with fines reaching 2 million pesos

Merida city council passes noise regulations with fines reaching 2 million pesos

(Updated to reflect details of the anti-noise regulations.) Merida, Yucatan — Long-awaited noise regulations have been passed by city council, and they will go into effect in one month. The regulations establish decibel levels, time limits and sound proofing. Fines for violators range from 8,000 to 2 million pesos, with the higher amount reserved for…

Noise regulations stalled again after deadline slips by

Noise regulations stalled again after deadline slips by

Merida, Yucatan — The city has missed its self-imposed deadline, again, to pass noise restrictions to protect Centro Historico residents. Authorities had promised to move into discussion in the Cabildo by mid-May. The previous administration also punted after promising noise regulations, allowing residents and a recent influx of nightclubs to coexist. Sound-proofing and restrictions on…

City to open management office in Centro Historico

City to open management office in Centro Historico

Merida, Yucatan — Within the first six months of 2019, the Centro Historico will be under the watch of a city-run Management Office. That’s the promise from Mayor Renán Barrera Concha, who has promised residents a more tranquil downtown. The Oficina de Gestión para la Gerencia del Centro Histórico de Mérida is expected to be in…

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