Noisy trucking operation keep Lansing resident awake

My name is Scotty Decess. I am a lifetime resident of Lansing. I live on Randall Street on the North Side.

I grew up on the south end of Lansing, south of Jolly Rd. 

I am writing to formally request immediate review and action regarding the trucking operation located directly behind my residence. 

I respectfully urge the city to reconsider the current industrial zoning of this property and to pursue rezoning consistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood. I further urge the City to employ any available enforcement tools to remedy.

I am writing to express my deep disappointment following the City Council’s recent decision to reject the proposed zoning change for the industrial trucking operation located directly behind my home.

For those of us who live in this neighborhood, this decision has immediate and lasting consequences. The operation remains fundamentally incompatible with a residential setting, and the conditions we are being asked to endure are not only disruptive, but increasingly harmful.

Since first raising this issue with the Council, the situation has worsened. Truck activity now extends late into the night—often continuing until 1:00 a.m.—leaving residents with little opportunity for rest or peace. Semi-trucks operate just feet from homes, idling for long periods, revving engines, using engine brakes, and sounding air horns at all hours. These are not rare occurrences; they are constant and unpredictable intrusions into daily life.

Of particular concern is the ongoing exposure to diesel exhaust. Trucks frequently idle directly behind residential properties, allowing fumes to drift into homes. There have been repeated instances of visible smoke accumulating across the lot, as well as trucks running for hours at a time—even inside buildings with doors open. This raises serious health concerns not only for my household, but for the entire neighborhood.

In addition to noise and air pollution, residents have experienced physical disturbances such as hammering strong enough to cause ground vibrations. While there was a brief period of improved property maintenance, conditions have since declined again, contributing to a broader pattern of disregard for the surrounding community. This business has brought cockroaches into my home and property as well.

The cumulative effect of these conditions is a constant state of stress and frustration. Like others, I have considered leaving my home simply to escape the noise and pollution—but economic realities make that option difficult, if not impossible. No resident should feel trapped in their own home due to incompatible industrial activity. Property values will drop as well in this area . I would respectfully request a meeting with City officials so that I can provide documentary evidence of the severity of the situation.

The Council’s lack of action does not change the reality on the ground. We continue to live in a stressful environment. I urge city leadership to reconsider this issue and take meaningful steps to protect the health, safety, and quality of life of the residents they serve.

I want to add special thanks to Skye with Best Buy’s Geek Squad, the Writing Center staff at LCC and Ingrid from Odd Nod for the artwork (visit lansingcitypulse.com to see the illustration)

Scotty Decess