Assemblymember requests less noise at Erasmus Field

How late is too late?

Assemblymember Dov Hikind is challenging a permit granted by the Department of Education (DOE) to the International United Soccer League at Erasmus Field. The permit allows the group to play on the field until midnight, disrupting the residential neighborhood.

“The DOE made a mistake and let this group run amok,” said Hikind. “It’s shameful.”

The assemblymember has received numerous calls to his office complaining about the nighttime noise. Community Board 12, serving Borough Park, Midwood and Kensington was never contacted about the matter before the permit was issued. CB 12 members Wolf Sender, district manager, and Yiddel Perelstein, chairman, expressed their discontent with the Erasmus Field situation in a letter to Chancellor Dennis Walcott.

“They had no right to do this without first consulting with the community,” stated Hikind.

Residents have complained that the noise is not only until midnight but long after. The noise prevents parents from putting their small children to bed and when the soccer fans erupt into cheers, the children are woken up.

“It’s outrageous,” said Hikind. “Why would the DOE be so insensitive as to grant a permit to any group until midnight in this park?”

The soccer games will last until September 1, however, Hikind is requesting that in the future permits will not be issued beyond 9 p.m.. Erasmus Field  is located at 1497 McDonald Avenue has a turf field allowing for baseball, football and soccer events.