Algonquin bowling alley spends to ease neighbors' concerns

They say money can't buy happiness, but some Algonquin residents hope it buys peace and quiet.

Brunswick Zone XL, which has borne the brunt of neighbor complaints about noise and bright lights, is taking swift action to address those issues, said Matthew Fletcher, manager of the bowling and entertainment complex on Randall Road.

First, workers will upgrade existing soundproofing technology on all of its doors to prevent noise from escaping.

At the village's request, the business also will set bright lights east of the building on a timer so they'll automatically shut off at 11 p.m., to help prevent bright light from streaming into residents' homes.

Finally, the business also will install deflectors on decorative lights on the north side of the building so lights won't shine into neighbors' properties, Fletcher said.

The changes, due to occur within the next two weeks, come after a pair of Algonquin officials, Fletcher and a company construction manager, toured the facility in late May.

Village officials recommended things that needed to be done on the walk through, said Assistant Village Manager Jeff Mihelich, who conducted the inspection with Village Manager William Ganek.

The business was never in violation of any local laws regarding noise or light, Mihelich said, adding that the men also discussed lowering the volume on video games and music.

But after residents from the nearby Willoughby Farms subdivision complained to village trustees about excessive noise and light coming from the facility, officials decided to see -- and hear -- for themselves.

"We think some of the sound leakage was through the doors," Mihelich said.

But Fletcher doesn't believe the business is responsible for all of the noise that ails the area.

For example, Fletcher says said he didn't hear much coming through the soundproofed doors, aside from falling pins.

On inspection day, both he and Mihelich saw a car with loud music driving through the nearby parking lot and say others like it could be responsible for some of the loud music.

Although Fletcher estimates it will cost thousands of dollars to implement all of the changes, it's money he's willing to spend just to be a good neighbor.

"Some of it is more of an olive branch to say, 'We will absolutely do what we can to minimize discomfort,' " Fletcher said. "I know we don't have to do this but let's do it anyway."

Residents also should feel free to address any complaints about Brunswick Zone XL with him directly, preferably as soon as something happens, Fletcher said.

And he looks forward to hearing about whether the inbound changes have calmed things down in the neighborhood.

"Hopefully they can give us some feedback as to whether that appears to be helping or if they've noticed anything different," he said.