Royal Mall Apartment complex to get new owners, mayor says

Niles is looking for ways to reduce night noise levels.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

NILES — The troublesome Royal Mall Apartments will be changing owners in two months, Mayor Ralph A. Infante says.

Infante told city council Wednesday that ownership will be transferred from Michael Feiner of Colorado to Connecticut-based Vesta Corp.

Along with the sale, the mayor said, Vesta plans to make about $15 million in improvements to the complex’s 165 apartments on Royal Mall Drive.

Although the city building inspector said improvements have been made, there are plumbing defects, wall and ceiling damage and kitchen cabinets that are in poor condition.

The complex was inspected at the request of council’s safety committee after it received complaints of illegal activity at the complex.

Noise complaints

In other business, council has again heard from city and Weathersfield Township residents about the noise level from McMenamy’s, a U.S. Route 422 restaurant and tavern.

Safety Director Maurice Guarino said he and Councilman Thomas Scarnecchia, D-at-large, chairman of council’s safety committee, will hold a meeting with members of the administration, police and McMenamy’s owners to find a solution.

“We should stop this problem. It has been going on for too long,” Guarino told lawmakers.

Residents complained last summer about the noise level when the outdoor music season began. They complained that they have to shut their windows and can’t have quiet outdoor activities because of the music.

Infante said it’s a police enforcement issue.

Police Chief Bruce Simeone called attention to a city law that requires a reading of more than 60 decibels before a citation can be issued. Simeone said that a 60-decibel reading hasn’t been reached on a meter carried by supervisors when they respond to a complaint.

The chief said that his officers don’t close down parades, festivals or the Scrappers games when noise is made. “We don’t want to shut down everything. I don’t think we want to do that,” he told council and those who complained.

Simeone noted that the noise level is reduced at 11 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

yovich@vindy.com