Residents near the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, particularly Rose Matthews of Berkman Plaza on East Bay Street, have voiced frustration over the persistent noise emitted by large generators installed behind the hotel. Matthews describes hearing the continuous hum both indoors and outdoors, echoing between her condominium and the hotel, a block away on South Market Street.
The generators were brought in following a fire on February 10 that affected a section of the 16-story hotel due to a water pipe leak, as reported by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The incident led to a partial power outage and required evacuation of guests and event attendees until the situation was contained.
Hyatt Regency’s General Manager, Jeff Thompson, acknowledged the necessity of the generators to maintain normal operations while repairs are underway. He emphasized the hotel’s commitment to guest and staff safety amidst ongoing efforts to restore full power from the city’s transformer.
Despite the hotel’s assurances, local residents like Matthews are dismayed by the prolonged presence of the generators. They have raised concerns about the noise disrupting their daily lives, including previously peaceful moments on Sunday mornings and outdoor activities like watching fireworks.
In response to queries about the extent of generator usage and the timeline for electrical repairs, hotel officials have not provided specific details. They have also faced criticism for the visual impact and logistical challenges associated with the generators, including fueling operations and the delay in cleaning smoke damage from the fire.
While Matthews and others have refrained from lodging formal complaints with the city, city officials confirm no complaints have been received regarding noise or other related issues from the hotel’s temporary power setup.
JEA spokesperson Karen McAllister affirmed that JEA stands ready to restore transformer power once the hotel completes necessary repairs. City spokesman Phillip Perry noted that the hotel holds active permits for duct repairs, with inspections pending.
The situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by both residents and businesses in managing temporary disruptions following such incidents.
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