By Alberto Gilman
Noise complaints stemming from a recent outdoor event at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center have led to a citation being issued by the New Windsor Police Department.
Sergio Martinez of Zamora Entertainment was cited on May 1 for violating the New Windsor Town Code concerning noise and illumination control. He is scheduled to appear in New Windsor Town Court on May 27.
According to police, the town received multiple complaints on Sunday, April 27, from residents near the Newburgh city line about loud noise coming from the area. Officers responded to the location, 355 South William St., and used a decibel meter to record sound levels from various points within New Windsor. Police determined the noise exceeded the limits allowed under the town’s code, even though the event was held within City of Newburgh limits.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the New Windsor Police Department noted that the readings violated Article X, Section 300-71 of the town code, which establishes performance standards, variance procedures, enforcement guidelines and penalties for noise and illumination.
New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti said the issue has been ongoing for years.
“For years, the Town of New Windsor has worked tirelessly with the owner and staff of the Newburgh Armory to address ongoing complaints about excessively loud events that disrupt the peace of our neighborhoods here in New Windsor,” Bedetti said. “While we support community gatherings, they must be conducted within the bounds of our local laws. This citation underscores our commitment to enforcing the noise ordinance and protecting the quality of life for all our residents.”
Bedetti said noise complaints have been a consistent issue during his time as both supervisor and previously as a councilman. He recalled similar concerns under his predecessors and said he received calls again this year from residents in the Ducktown and Lacey Field neighborhoods.
Ahead of this year’s rodeo season, Bedetti said he, town staff and police officials met with representatives from the Armory, Zamora Entertainment, and the City of Newburgh Police Department to discuss concerns and exchange contact information. William Kaplan, founder of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, and members of his staff were also present.
Despite those discussions, Bedetti said he received renewed complaints during the April 27 event and could hear the noise himself. He said this is the first time a citation has been issued and warned that civil action could follow if the issue continues.
Newburgh Armory Executive Director Daniella Anderson confirmed the event was hosted by Zamora Entertainment and that the noise complaints are being reviewed internally.
“We are actively working with our event partners, including Zamora Entertainment, to ensure that all future events comply with local noise ordinances and are respectful of our surrounding communities,” Anderson said in a statement. “Steps under consideration include adjusted sound levels and improved monitoring protocols.”
Anderson said Zamora Entertainment hosts rodeo events periodically throughout the spring and summer, with the next event scheduled for May 25. She noted that rental revenue from such events helps support the Armory’s free community programs and services.
The City of Newburgh and Zamora Entertainment did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
Under New Windsor’s code, sound levels are limited to 65 decibels in residential areas between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and 56 decibels between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. In non-residential zones, the limits are 80 decibels from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 70 decibels overnight. Bedetti said officers recorded levels of 82 decibels from within the city.
Newburgh’s own code also outlines noise restrictions in Chapter 212, Section 212-5, which prohibits certain sound levels, particularly in residential districts and during late-night and holiday hours.