New York

The Rumbler Police Siren

In 2009, the NYPD announced that over a hundred patrol cars based in Manhattan are installed with the Rumbler siren and the media failed to ask any critical questions. With no further inquiry from legislators, New Yorkers are going to be subjected to bone-rattling noise when the sirens are in widespread use by the police.

The NYPD purchased and installed the equipment with no oversight, no public hearings, and with no evident liability for the massive noise pollution they are about to inflict on citizens, all in the name of public safety. The offensive noise contributes to a sense of menace and hostility in urban environments. For residents who live anywhere near busy thoroughfares and any of the dozens of police precincts around the city and the boroughs, it presents a serious noise nuisance.

Not unlike its military cousin, the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), this technology allows police to use sound as a weapon at the push of a button.

In one newspaper article, an NYPD official suggested that New Yorkers should take it in stride, "the way New Yorkers do". Considering the elevated noise levels New Yorkers endure for lack of adequate noise code enforcement, the hubris expressed by the NYPD is breathtaking.

In law enforcement parlance, 'Code 3 Response' is a mode of response for a police vehicle responding to a call; it mandates officers to move through traffic with the police cruiser lights flashing and sirens blaring. However, the use of sirens is also used for non-emergency use at the discretion of the officer, even when department policy specifically discourages its use other than emergencies.

Sirens are designed to emit sound directionally from the front of the vehicle to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians; the Rumbler uses low-frequency sound that is non-directional.

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Council on the Environment of New York

Council on the Environment of New York (CENYC) is a privately funded non-profit citizens organization in the Office of the Mayor. It promotes environmental awareness among New Yorkers including noise. Dr. Arline L. Bronzaft has been appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to serve on CENYC; she heads the Noise Abatement Committee. Additional information on noise can be found at CENYC.

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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.

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Queens Community Board

Community Boards 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 a City Council member representing their district and the Queens Borough President (Helen Marshall). Each community board has its own Chairman and the hiring of the District Manager is voted on by members of the Board.

In Astoria, the current Chairman of Community Board 1 is Vincio Donato. The District Manager is Lucille Hartmann. The City Council member for Astoria is Peter F. Vallone, Jr.

In recent years, 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 By-Laws and Committees.

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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.

In Astoria, 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.

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Revised Noise Code

Mayor Bloomberg has signed into law legislation overhauling the city's noise code, not updated in over thirty years. The revised noise code took 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."

In 2005, the city's 311 system logged over 335,000 noise complaints. According to Mayor Bloomberg, 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.

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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.

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NYC Rent Guidelines Board

The New York City Guidelines Board has a FAQ section that answers most issues with renting an apartment, including noise. Some of the questions and answers covers situations with noisy neighbors and the state law on warranty of habitability.

New York City Guidelines Board - FAQ.

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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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Reflecting On the Lack of Acoustical Consideration at Ground Zero

The Ground Zero memorial called "Reflecting Absence" consists of two chasms where the Twin Towers once stood and water will fall thirty feet from ground level into a pool where it will drain off another fifteen foot ledge. Will the noises from the surrounding environment and a very loud waterfall negate the quiet, somber atmosphere intended for the memorial?

Here is the article.

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LIRR Train Noise in Queens and Long Island

Jack Mevorach, an attorney in Long Island has created a neighborhood association called the Train Noise Abatement Association ("TNAA"). With members in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties, they are working with federal, state, county, town and village officials to abate train noise. You can view the TNAA flyer and get on the mailing list by sending an e-mail to jack@mevorach.com

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Staten Island Residents Organize Against NASCAR Racetrack Development

International Speedway Corp (ISC) purchased land on Staten Island with the intention of building a NASCAR racetrack. The proposed racetrack is designed to hold 80,000 fans, which means that on race days, residents will have to deal with tremendous noise from vehicle traffic and rowdy fans. Several dozen stock cars roaring at high speeds can be heard for miles around. Helicopters covering the event will also contribute to the din as well. A coalition of Staten Island citizens have formed in opposition of the proposed development.

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Buffalo to Outlaw Aftermarket Car Stereos

In Buffalo, the New York Common Council moved a step closer to adopting an ordinance that would ban aftermarket car stereos. Council President David A. Franczyk introduced a measure in June 2006 for the the city attorney rule on the legality of an ordinance that would make it a crime to enter the city with a stereo capable of playing loud music.

If this legislation is passed, it would effectively make booming a criminal offense that can result in the confiscation of the equipment and subject the violator to severe penalties. Since the plan was unveiled, Franczyk said his office has been flooded with calls, letters and e-mails from residents who support the effort.

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Manhattan - Top Ten Noisiest Bars

Some bars in New York City get away with blasting loud music and disrupting neighborhoods without repercussions. This report contains a list of the ten most complained about bars in Manhattan that demonstrate little consideration for their residential neighbors. It also exposes the dysfunctional process by which liquor licenses are granted and noise complaints are addressed.
Eva S. Moskowitz
The Council Of the City of New York 2005 [PDF]
Read our NoiseOFF Press Release: Noisiest Bars Blight Manhattan Neighborhoods
At An Unhappy Hour: 10 Noisiest Bars In Manhattan - Report | Cover | Press Release

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Survey About Noise Details City's Number One Annoyance

The CENYC and Baruch College's eTownPanel.com has released the results of a new online survey about the serious noise problem in NYC and the nation. New Yorkers say they're most often bothered by honking horns, car alarms, and boom cars or car stereos, followed by traffic, rowdy passersby, motorcycles, and sirens. By contrast, respondents nationwide are more often bothered by lawn mowing and barking dogs, but they too report boom cars and sirens as top noise problems. Here is the report.

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Book Review: Cedarhurst Alley

This fictional book speaks to the anguish of so many people whose lives have been shattered by overhead jet noise. Author Denny Hatch gives voice to a story vividly depicting one man's battle against noise and government authority in his new book, Cedarhurst Alley. Here is a review.

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