Neighbors sue school over soccer noise

BUCKINGHAM, Pa. - April 10, 2008 Just beyond a trickling creek and the trees sits Holicong Middle School, and a soccer field.

"It's two hours every evening. We can't come outside. The noise is overwhelming," said Louis Stellar.

So Stellar and his wife, Susan, have sued the Central Bucks School District, claiming the soccer practices and games violate the Buckingham Township's noise ordinance.

The Stellars don't have a problem with school events, but rather neighborhood athletic leagues that use the field.

They say they've been begging the district and the township to do something for 4 years, but to no avail.

"We just felt we didn't have an alternative and all we really want is to be able to enjoy our house like every other family does," said Susan Stellar.

Many soccer moms and dads were unsympathetic.

"When you buy a house next to a field, some of this goes with the territory. It really depends how much over the normal use is the inconvenience," said John Donaruma.

The Stellars hired a private engineering company. They say multiple tests revealed the decibel levels of the soccer games far exceed township limits.

The Stellars say they have a solution to the problem. They say the athletic leagues should play their games on the other side of the high school.

The Stellar's say there are no homes in the immediate area. They say those fields are often left vacant.

Attempts to contact the school district were unsuccessful.

The township says it's reviewing the lawsuit and withholding comment until it does so.

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