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Recap of Conversation with Hugo Planning Commission Leaders <br />Topic: Future Schwieters Facility Plans Impacting Fenway Community <br />Updated December 24, 2021 <br />Background: On December 16th, the Fenway Place Community provided the Hugo Planning Commission <br />with the following concerns, questions, & thoughts related to future development surrounding our area. <br />1) Noise issues with Schwieters’ facility on west side of Fenway Boulevard—asked that receiving and <br />shipping doors not be open for extended periods during the evening/overnight hours (9pm to 7am), as loud <br />manufacturing noises can be heard by our residents. We understand that Schwieters has operational needs <br />in moving product in and out of the facility, but leaving up to eighteen (18) garage doors open for extended <br />periods should not be normal business practice. The Planning Commission members led this discussion, as <br />they clearly understood the concerns about noise with compassion and empathy. <br />Past promises of addressing the noise concerns with Planning Commission, City Council, and Schwieters <br />have not generated any concrete solutions. Now with another proposed manufacturing facility we will have <br />even more traffic, noise, and disruption to our residential community. When will Hugo’s elected <br />representatives show leadership and find a solution so that everyone can enjoy the Hugo area? Now it is <br />time for the Hugo City Council and Schwieters to clearly document what they will do (and not do) to help <br />business entities and residential areas coexist, so that noise issues do not continue to be a problem. <br />2) Long-term plan for extension of 140th Street—eventually this road will connect with Elmcrest Road. We <br />specifically asked that 140th Street have weight limitations to eliminate large load transportation vehicles, <br />as a way to minimize noise. This request is because the road will go through marshlands, a preserve boggy <br />area, and residential communities. Will Schwieters’ entrances from 140th be only for employee vehicles or <br />also accommodate larger transport trucks? Weight limits on roads are not unique. <br />3) Schwieters’ original plan for 2020 facility expansion provided assurances that have not materialized <br />i.e., "Sherwood forest would be in place to block view for Fenway residents.” Schwieters acknowledges <br />that this statement was made, but they are not sure what it means or how it would be implemented. All <br />three buildings will have large operational garage doors that Schwieters intends to leave open when it is <br />convenient and financially beneficial to their operations. Not a solution that demonstrates concern for the <br />noise issue and the surrounding residential communities. <br />4) Schwieters operations: <br />• Two separate companies owned by different parts of the family. One does cabinet making and <br />inside components, while the other makes trusses and larger building framework. <br />• Hours of operation—run two shifts 6am-4pm (10 hours) and 4pm-4am (12 hours). <br />• Plan is to use 140th Street for large truck access. <br />• Proposed new facility will have employee parking on the north side towards Fenway community. <br />Employees leaving work at 4am is clearly going to be a potential problem. <br />Fenway Place residents emphasized that Schwieters appears to be a well-run operation and a good <br />neighbor in many respects. We understand they need to run their business according to marketplace <br />demands, but we also ask that they be conscious of their previous commitments and address the concerns <br />of their residential neighbors, especially related to excessive and repetitive overnight noise. <br />We were impressed with the Hugo Planning Commission’s efforts to understand the noise issues/concerns <br />and to request possible solutions. The Commission passed a resolution that approved a third facility, with <br />the understanding that conscious efforts would address and minimize excessive overnight noise. <br />This resolution will go to the Hugo City Council for a vote on January 3rd. Fenway Place will have <br />representative(s) at that time to communicate our concerns and offer specific recommendations.