FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2022
CONTACT:
Kaye Dyja
212-818-0580
kdyja@council.nyc.gov
City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers Introduces “Stop Spreading the Noise” Act
The legislative package will crack down on excessive noise across all five boroughs
New York, NY – Today, City Council Member Keith Powers introduced the “Stop Spreading the Noise” Act to tackle unreasonable noise disturbances throughout New York City. The legislative package—aimed at improving New Yorkers’ quality of life—will mitigate excessive noise caused by helicopters, make the noise inspection process more transparent, and create a noise camera program for motor vehicles.
“We know New York City is the city that never sleeps. But let’s be honest—sometimes we all do need a good night’s sleep,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the ‘Stop Spreading the Noise’ Act, which will significantly reduce excessive noise across all five boroughs and greatly improve our city’s basic quality of life.”
Since the pandemic, noise complaints have skyrocketed in New York City. Between October 2019 and now, calls to 311 about disruptive noise have risen 241 percent. This is only exacerbated by the fact that the Department of Health reports that one in six New Yorkers experience ringing in their ears or hearing loss, and 20 percent are frequently disturbed by noise at home.
The package consists of six pieces of legislation to address this ongoing issue, including establishing a noise camera program to detect loud motor vehicles, regulating chartered helicopters, requiring more permits for overnight construction, and making the noise inspection process more transparent, accessible, and accountable.
“While an ever-worsening nuisance to us all, excessive noise is also a health issue for many New Yorkers,” said Council Member Robert Holden. “We all need our sleep and have a right to the quiet enjoyment of our homes. This package of bills will help crack down on the unreasonable noise so many of us experience, especially late at night. It will also help make the enforcement more objective and transparent.”
“New York City has always been a cacophony of jackhammering, helicopter blades, and honks,” said Community Board 6 Chair Kyle Athayde. “While these combinations of sounds are part of daily life in New York, in recent years they have become a symphony of disruption and disturbance. Community Board Six has long advocated for stronger measures to mitigate the noise pollution caused by cars, helicopters, and construction. We are grateful for Councilmember Powers’ leadership in creating the “Stop Spreading the Noise” Act, and we look forward to quieter days ahead!”
“Excessive noise is one of the most common complaints of residents of the Upper East Side,” said Community Board 8 Manhattan Chair Russell Squire. “Measures that will reduce the amount of noise in our neighborhoods are sorely needed, and I thank Council Member Powers for introducing this measure to address this need. Cutting down the amount of excessive noise we are exposed to will greatly improve our quality of life.”
“Sounds of the city are a part of New York life but excessive noise is not; we are receiving an enormous number of noise complaints and applaud the introduction of this legislation,” said President of the East 72nd Street Association Valerie Mason.
##