Some Greenwich residents upset over noise, traffic at school's weekend events

GREENWICH (WABC) -- Some homeowners in Greenwich, Connecticut, are voicing their concerns about what they're calling a noisy neighborhood school.

Central Middle School holds sporting events and church services on weekends, and some residents are frustrated with the accompanying noise and traffic.

Austin Clark, who lives across the street from the school, said he expects the school to be busy during the week, but he thinks the building should be used for school functions.

"We're concerned about the children's safety in the crosswalks, because you cannot see people crossing the street when the cars are parked," Clark said.

Trinity Church has been holding services there every Sunday morning for the past 15 years because it doesn't have its own church building.

Regg Jones, chairman of the Trinity Church Council, said they've never received any direct complaints from neighbors.

"We're working really hard to make sure we control the flow of traffic the best we can," he said. "We have looked at different places. We had our Easter services at the Hyatt because we knew we'd be getting a lot more people."

Jones said for the past few years, the church has hired a police officer to direct traffic, but Clark said not everyone that has used the school on weekends has been considerate of the neighbors.

"They've had events here that they seem to forget this is a residential neighborhood," he said. "And they start very, very early in the morning."

A Greenwich Schools spokesperson said they are reviewing the situation regarding the Sunday rental of the building.