Universal Studios Responds to Backlash Over Roller Coaster Screams
The new roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood has been generating excessive noise for nearby Toluca Lake residents.
The attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, officially opened September 16 after weeks of testing. While the coaster itself was designed with noise reduction in mind, nearby residents say the screams of riders are carrying into their neighborhood.
At a September 30 community meeting attended by more than 350 people, held on a Universal Studios sound stage under heavy security, residents reportedly told Universal executives that screams can be heard every 20 to 40 seconds. One resident said he could no longer compose music in his home because of the noise.
Universal had already incorporated measures to reduce sound from the attraction, including barriers, shields and pea gravel along the track. The company now plans to install a temporary sound-absorbing barrier and is considering changing the orientation of the ride vehicles.
The dispute became particularly heated when residents demanded that Universal eliminate the problem within a year.
Steve Blum, Universal’s executive vice president of engineering and safety, responded with an interesting quip: “We could solve this tomorrow if you all want to wear noise-cancelling headphones.”
Residents reportedly reacted angrily, with one response being, “How dare you?”
Residents shouldn’t have to wear headphones in their own homes to accommodate a commercial operation. The remark is significant because it illustrates a fundamental issue in noise disputes: Who should bear the burden of dealing with unwanted noise?
It seems that, as far as Universal is concerned, the issue is less about the screams from the attraction and more about shutting up the residents.
Source: Deadline