MIDDLEBURY - Quassy Amusement Park on Route 64, celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, was the subject of a Thursday, January 3, Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing.

Quassy co-owner George Frantzis II, in attendance at the hearing, is proposing the addition of two rides.

The hearing was continued until 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 7, at Shepardson Community Center, 1172 Whittemore Rd.

At last month's public hearing, Quassy's proposal brought before the commission consisted of three new rides - a roller coaster, a 100-foot-long, 28-feet-high slide and a 35-foot-high pirate ship.

Attorney Michael McVerry, representing Quassy, said his clients want to withdraw the new roller coaster application without prejudice, in the event they want to propose a new roller coaster again.

Residents in attendance at the January public hearing expressed concerns about noise, traffic and property values. Mr. McVerry acknowledged their concerns.

"While I can sympathize with the neighbors, those are not part of the site plan," he said.

Neighbors submitted letters and addressed the commission, asking its members to vote against the park's proposal.

Richard Sprano of Middlebury Road said he hoped the commission would vote in favor of the taxpayers, not just one business.

Residents noted that Middlebury does not have a noise ordinance and said that without one, they have no recourse. They called the noise from Quassy ever-present and said Quassy is a public nuisance for those who live near the park.

Chairman Terry Smith told Voices the Board of Selectmen would have to approve a noise ordinance. He said he does not think Quassy Amusement Park would be grand-fathered and therefore would not be exempt from a town-wide noise ordinance, were it approved.

Commissioner Erika Carrington said the land use regulations address noise.

"I know a noise ordinance by the Board of Selectmen would be better," she said. "We've got to be able to do something."

First Selectman Thomas Gormley told Voices the Board of Selectmen is taking a serious look into drafting a noise ordinance.

He said there is a three-fold purpose for a noise ordinance due to residents' complaints about noise from three sources: Quassy, people who ride four-wheel vehicles without mufflers in the woods and Oxford Airport.

Mr. Gormley said if the town drafted a noise ordinance, the proposal would have to be submitted to the state Department of Environmental Protection. "Legally, the DEP has total jurisdiction over noise," he said.

Michael Proulx of 176 Sandy Hill Rd. said he worked at Quassy and that there are two sides to every issue. He said the applicant has taken the roller coaster out of the proposal, which he said residents had the most concerns about.

"The slide and the pirate ride aren't as different from the ones they've had before," he said. "I don't see how those two rides would increase the noise."

Rich Montville had a different opinion. "The token withdrawal of a roller coaster is not going to resolve the pollution of noise," he said.

Attorney Robert Fisher of Cramer and Anderson said he is representing property owners who live near Quassy. He said the two rides will generate people who want to ride them.

"I think it's somewhat disingenuous to say, 'we're taking the roller coaster off the application, all that we're adding is a couple of rides,'" he said.

Michael and Jane Capobianco said in a letter to the commission that they would like to see steps taken to address the noise issue before additions take place.

Mr. McVerry said his client has contracted with a sound consultant to seek ways to minimize noise levels. He said the process is long term and he cannot predict when the consultant's recommendations will be given.

Mr. and Mrs. Capobianco also said they would also like to see a traffic impact study conducted.

John McDonald said his grandfather purchased property near Quassapaug Lake in the 1870s. He said he used a sound level recorder and determined that noise levels are 60 to 80 decibels.

Jean Peterson said she felt there is not a need for a sound study. She suggested moving the speakers so they do not face the lake.

Linda Shapiro of 19 Abbot Farm Rd. said she lives behind the lake.

"Changing the speakers is not going to help," she said. She cited music and other noise that continues for 13 hours a day during the summer months.

"Every weekend, I would like to enjoy my house and my family," she said. "This is my right as a citizen."

Regarding traffic concerns, residents discussed the volume of traffic that comes through the streets. Mr. and Mrs. Sprano said the traffic in front of their home prevents them from being able to leave the driveway, sometimes for hours.

Mr. Fisher expressed concerns on adequate buffering between the park and residents' homes, traffic and parking issues.

"It's a finite area with finite parking," he said.

He said Quassy's owners need to realize that the park is a small one in a rural town, not Six Flags or Disney World.

Ron Croce of Sandy Beach Road had a similar opinion, but also felt the small park has grown and altered. He said he doubts that more than 10 percent of Middlebury's residents visit Quassy.

"Having brought my children there, I don't bring them anymore because of the mixed people there," Mr. Croce said, noting that Quassy's days as a local park are long gone.

The park has undergone changes and is no longer a place for couples who want to dance, said Mr. McDonald. He likened the park to Oxford Airport, which has grown since its inception. He said that the airport's growth destroyed the surrounding neighborhoods.

"We beg that our property not go the same route," said Mr. McDonald.

He said he wants to ensure that his property values are protected. "It's too important to us," he said.

Other concerns by residents included pollution from buses left with engines running in the parking lots during the summer and the reasoning behind why a pirate ship ride was already in the park.

Resident Ms. Peterson provided pictures to the commission of a pirate ship ride covered by a tarp. Mr. McVerry said the ride is on a trailer and if it is not approved by the commission, it is not installed.