The Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution
Astoria, Queens
Why Is Astoria, Queens So Noisy?
NoiseOFF was founded in Astoria, Queens for good reason. The deafening noise from boom cars, hot-rods and motorcycles with illegally modified exhausts, car alarms, trucks with jake brakes, sidewalk cafés and fast food restaurants open all night gives residents an earful. We call on residents to participate in the process and make your voice heard.
Queens Community Board 1
Community Board 1 serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community and its residents. They can approve or deny zoning and variance permits in an advisory capacity and make recommendations. They cannot order any city agency or official to perform a specific task, but they are influential in resolving problems they address. Members of the board are appointed by City Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr. and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. The current chairman is Vincio Donato. The hiring of the District Manager (George Delis) is voted on by members of the Board.
In recent times, members voted on the proposed tennis bubble in Astoria Park and the application of permits for sidewalk cafés. Residents can voice concerns and present petitions on quality of life issues.
The monthly public meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Astoria Manor, 25-22 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11102. Call Community Board 1 at 718.786.3335 to verify the meeting schedule. Here is the Community Board 1 By-Laws and Committees.
NYPD Precinct Community Council
The Precinct Community Council is intended as a forum where residents can voice concerns about crime and quality of life issues directly to police officials. The monthly meetings serve to reduce crime and improve police-community relations in neighborhoods. Citizens with good attendance can become members and elect their own officers to administer council meetings. The current president of the council is Ann Bruno.
The monthly public meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Riccardo's By The Bridge, 21-01 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. Call the 114th Precinct at 718.626.9311 to verify the meeting schedule. Here is the NYPD Precinct Community Council Regulations. In 2004, the NYPD changed the rules on term limits.
Revised Noise Code Takes Effect July 1, 2007
Mayor Bloomberg has signed into law legislation overhauling the city's noise code, not updated in over thirty years. The revised noise code takes effect on July 1, 2007. The legislation promises "a flexible, yet enforceable noise code that responds to the need for peace and quiet while maintaining New York's reputation as the city that never sleeps."
Here is press release and the revised noise code.
Parking Permit Abuse
The most blatant example of abuse of power comes in the form of government parking permit abuse. While government-issued permits allow holders to park in certain designated areas, they do not allow holders to park anywhere they find space. The endanger public safety by parking in front of fire hydrants, on sidewalks, in crosswalks, in intersections, and in bus stops.
Illegal permit parking compounds traffic problems with blocked lanes of traffic. The increased traffic congestion serves to increase air and noise pollution.
Because parking enforcement is completely under the control of the NYPD and because they refuse to ticket their own, the problem has created a serious quality-of-life and safety issue for residents and pedestrians who live near the precinct. More so, the "culture of entitlement" by New York's Finest perpetuates a cycle of unfair and dangerous double standards.
Illegal permit parking erodes the trust of government and law enforcement in the communities that are overrun by vehicles.
The Unhappy Hour
Noisy bars, nightclubs, lounges - and especially outdoor cafés - are ruining the quality of life of Astoria residents. Angry neighbors get the silent treatment when they complain to the owners about the noise. We spoke to one owner of an outdoor café who sarcastically replied, "I hope you enjoy the free entertainment."
Late into the night, the deafening music, rowdy and drunken patrons, excessive vehicle traffic can be heard and felt over a block away. Because they create a sense of disorder in the neighborhood, it gives patrons the impression that they can get away with bad behavior and illegal activities. Residents often deal with public vagrancy and drunkenness, DUI and drug dealing right in front of their own homes.
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