Plaintiffs In Oakwood Suit Explain Their Side
The Mail-Journal attempted to contact all nine plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against Oakwood Resort LLC regarding excessive band noise coming across the lake. Some did not return phone calls in time to make the deadline.
Dan and Amanda Harstine purchased their home in 2001 and Dan Harstine was one of several homeowners who approached the Syracuse Town Council last summer about the noise.
Dan said he has spoken to Oakwood management and the town and would like Oakwood to be a good neighbor. “They basically told us to blow away,” he said. “We have tried every reasonable action, solution, turn it down, point it in another direction, turn it off at 10 p.m. At this point, turn it off.”
He said he and his wife have not noticed a difference in noise volume this year compared to last year because they leave for the weekends.
“If they can turn it down. It comes across the lake like you wouldn’t believe,” said Stephen Keller about what he would like to see Oakwood do. His grandfather had a cottage in Oakwood Park, “But now they’re driving me crazy.” He noted it also makes a difference if there is any wind or in which direction the wind is blowing as to how loud the music sounds. Keller said at times he can hear a DJ as if he is standing in front of him.
Ron Kull and Mary Stagaman own a property that has been in Kull’s family since the 1950s. Kull even helped his father build the cottage. The two visit their cottage as often as possible through the summer months. Kull said he has a number of issues with the music at Oakwood such as the quality, the volume it is played at and it be played at an appropriate time. “Some of it is pretty raw, some of it sounds like they aren’t experienced musicians,” he said. Kull also noted the music is so loud, he and Stagaman can’t listen to their own music.
Donna Boehm has owned her property since 1970, living there full time since 1981. She said she has not noticed a difference in volume from this year to last year.
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