Neighbors want to quiet USS Constitution cannons

BOSTON - It's one of the oldest pieces of Boston history and it has brought tourists to Charlestown for decades. But it is now causing some controversy with neighbors.

The cannon on the USS Constitution fires off twice a day, once at the start of the day and once at sunset, and some neighbors say it’s too loud.

“Back when she was originally built, one of the things a ship of that day would do would be fire a gun to signify she was open for business,” said Constitution Commander Tim Cooper said.

An anonymous resident wrote the following to Cooper two weeks ago:

"This area has grown significantly and, it seems to us, that the cannon charge/noise is excessive... we have entertained several times, and we have had guests sit up in shock when the cannon goes off.”

The ship has sat in the Navy yard for centuries.

“We want to maintain this tradition. It's part of our heritage and our history both on Constitution and the Navy, and at the same time we want to be good neighbors,” Cooper said.

“People should realize they move into a neighborhood, those things are there. The Constitution is a historical sight. It happens twice a day. I just don't think it's a major problem,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

“They are loud. I jump every time. I'm near them, but that's what it is you moved into – a beautiful community that's historic and that's how it is,” said neighbor Lindsay Pelletier.

The commanding officer of the ship says he will work with the neighbors to resolve this issue the best they can, should anyone else come forward