To Our Queens Neighbors:

As the warm weather is officially here, we are yet again faced with sleepless nights from nuisance noise. Yes, NYC is the city that never sleeps, but this has gotten out of control. The nuisance noise is coming from car meetups or Chipeo-these cars gather together outfitted with HUGE speakers and amplifiers. They blast music and bass into all hours of the night and early mornings. The groups are typically in the Bronx, on Randall's Island, and Flushing Meadows Park, however the size of the speakers/amplifiers carry the sound to where Queens residents can hear it. (Don't believe it, please Google or YouTube). This used to be isolated to weekends, but has now become a guessing game on when will it start?!

I come forward with this petition as a fed-up resident who has attended community meetings, spoke with and emailed politicians, and law enforcement. This is not only a nuisance, but a quality of life issue. The use of illegal speakers and amplifiers make a relaxing evening in my backyard not so relaxing, where my drink is vibrating off the table. We should not have to keep our windows closed and use the air conditioner to drown out the noise. Additionally, this is also a safety concern. Based on videos and live feeds, these individuals are drinking and using drugs then driving to the next meetup and heading home when New Yorkers are waking up and going to work, school, places of worship in the early morning. It is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. We need to be proactive and not reactive .

Our current Noise Regulations are failing us. While they were intended to provide respite from constant noise in our busy city, loopholes in the legislation allow speakers and other sound amplifiers to wreak havoc unchecked. I am asking that the City Council, Mayor, and other elected officials come together and update these Noise Regulations in a way that would INCREASE FINES and allow NYPD officers to swiftly issue a summons for and/or confiscate sound equipment on-site. In turn, putting and end to persistent noise disturbance that effects 10-20 neighborhoods. These Queens neighborhoods include: Astoria, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, LIC, Whitestone, Corona, Rego Park, Bayside, Sunnyside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Flushing, and College Point. Our Brooklyn and Bronx neighbors are also bothered by this.

We have placed thousands of 311 noise complaints, which help (to a point), but the issue is Officers have up to 8 hours to respond to complaints and the offenders have either moved locations or left. Our Officers are being overwhelmed with the task of trying to address these complaints, taking them away from real emergencies. Amendment to current laws would allow NYPD to take action in real-time and issue increased fines to repeat offenders and not allow speakers to be returned after they have been impounded.

Noise pollution is not just an annoyance, but a real and significant health issue. The World Health Organization has declared noise pollution as second only to air pollution, in terms of causing environmental damage. With the Environmental Protection Agency stating that noise above 75 decibels can cause depression, stress, anxiety disorders, and other harmful effects, the seriousness of this issue cannot be overstated (source: WHO, EPA).THESE Speakers/Illegal sound amplifiers reach levels above 500 decibels on most Days.

By signing this petition, you are joining a cause that aims to bring peace and comfort back into our daily lives by enabling swift and effective action against noise polluters. Let's demand a change to NYC Noise Regulations today and raise the standard for our quality of life for Fellow New YORKERS. 

Please, sign and share this petition.