Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Troy McCullough, Tim Davis, Jennifer Holland, Kathleen Carlson and Jenny Hykes.

The noise ordinances in Ames need to loosen up. If fifty-five decibels, which is comparable to a conversation, is too loud, then people break the noise ordinance without throwing parties and being obnoxious.

You could break the noise ordinance by mowing your lawn, having little kids playing, screaming and laughing as little kids often do, having a barbecue, owning a dog that likes to use its vocal chords, using power tools to do repairs or handy work around the house or various other activities that are above conversation level.

The old noise ordinance, which was changed in 1983, used to be that the measurement of the decibel level was taken from the place of complaint and the level had to be sixty decibels or under. The older system seems much more practical, especially since many of the complaints are not written up.

While some fraternity members feel, according to an article in the Iowa State Daily, that residents who live near fraternities should realize that “it goes with the territory,” residents have the right to a peaceful nights sleep no matter where in Ames they live.

So if the noise ordinance can’t be relaxed, maybe the stereos could be turned down a little and residents could complain a little less, remembering what it was like for them when they were young.

Compromise and an understanding for each other’s situation would seem to be in order, both now and until the noise ordinance can be relaxed.