Limits on construction noise in L.A. (Background Report)

CONSTRUCTION-RELATED NOISE is forbidden by law within the City of Los Angeles (i.e., at Mishkon) before 7:00am or after 9:00pm. That is, any such noise that is loud enough to disturb nearby residents. It includes the delivery of construction materials. (LAMC 41.40a)

Such noise is likewise forbidden within 500 feet of residential buildings on Sundays, as well as on Saturdays or holidays before 8:00am or after 6:00pm. (LAMC 41.40c)

Mishkon does have neighbors who reside nearby: next door, across the street, and down the street within 500 feet.

For details (and the penalty for violation), see the municipal code:

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-128777#JD_41.40.

Social hall ceiling: what to do (Speculation)

THE CEILING OF our historic Social Hall, according to my recent assessment, has some missing and loose acoustical ceiling tiles.

Ceiling tile gets taken for granted, but it matters a lot. The acoustical ceiling has a significant impact on our experience of being in the Social Hall. By absorbing sound, it reduces the ambient noise and echoes that would otherwise make the cavernous room a difficult place to be in, especially when crowded with people. So it warrants our care!

Below the jump, this post ponders the best course of action. It reflects solely my own opinion.… 

Social hall ceiling (Condition Record)

AS PART OF reviving the Social Hall, it has been proposed that the ceiling be repainted. At the same time, our reserve study specialist has proposed replacing the ceiling tile altogether (at a cost of $20K), for the sake of aesthetics. Both of these ideas have prompted me to look upward and assess the condition of our acoustical ceiling tile.

This post documents my initial assessment, including 14 photographs.