Cary homeowner claims harassment over golf course noise issue

A Cary resident says he is being harassed for speaking out against a proposal that would relax noise restrictions at golf courses.

Posted 10:00 p.m. Jun 30, 2015 — Updated 10:51 p.m. Jun 30, 2015

CARY, N.C. — A Cary resident says he is being harassed for speaking out against a proposal that would relax noise restrictions at golf courses.

The Cary Town Council is considering an ordinance that would allow golf course greens keepers to begin mowing, weed trimming and leaf blowing as early as 6 a.m. The council is expected to approve the changes at its July 9 meeting.

Bob Butler took a public stand against the changes at a council meeting in March. Earlier this month, a cellphone video captured five mowers circling a tee at Prestonwood Country Club outside Butler’s bedroom. The timestamp was 6:15 a.m.

“Suddenly, it’s much noisier out there, many more mowers, many more times, much earlier in the morning,” Butler said. “(They were) going over the same route over and over again. They're certainly trying to send me the message that they can make more noise if they want to.”

The general manager at Prestonwood denies any harassment ever took place. He said he's not looking for a fight, but says it’s impossible to keep the greens pristine under current regulations.

Deputy Police Chief Tony Godwin studied the issue and recommended the council change the law to reflect a widespread practice already in place.

Golf course officials say the new law would clarify what's allowed and when but insist it wouldn't change daily maintenance practices.

Butler says he doesn't think it’s fair and points to a petition signed by 57 of his neighbors as evidence they don't either.

“We're not trying to take anything away from the golf course or anyone else. We're trying to stop this massive expansion of noisemaking rights,” he said.

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