Traffic Noise Reduction and Safety
Traffic Noise Reduction and Safety
The Issue
The residents of West Gilgo Beach, Gilgo Beach and Oak Beach are negatively impacted, daily, by unsafe noise levels and hazardous U-turn navigation associated with traffic on Ocean Parkway. The problem has become increasingly worse over time, and occurs consistently at all hours of the day and throughout the year. It is particularly bad with respect to morning and afternoon rush hours, year round weekend auto enthusiasts, and summer beach goers.
The speed limit on Ocean Parkway, through the aforementioned residential communities is 55 mph. Traffic routinely passes through at speeds far in excess of the speed limit, often reaching dangerous levels of 70 mph and greater.
Speeds at these levels create noise decibels that are unsafe for human exposure sustained routinely and consistently.
There are several scientific and medical studies from respected and approved journal sources that confirm the health risks associated with prolonged and sustained noise exposure. Additionally there is scientific proof that clearly demonstrates correlation between speed and decibel level pertaining to traffic; the faster the speed the higher the decibel.
Secondly, the Residents of the Barrier Beach Communities that routinely utilize the U-turn access points are consistently exposed to hazardous navigation. Exiting resident community driveways, in attempt to enter the u-turn sites, motorists must cross two lanes of traffic with dangerous high speed traffic to negotiate; routinely far in excess of the 55 mph speed limit, often 70mph and greater. The length of roadway to complete this action, together with the reckless speeds of commuters is creating an extremely dangerous situation for resident drivers.
The concerned residents listed on this petition would like government officials to empathize with our plight and engage in thought and dialogue in an effort to initiate action to address this problem.There are many ways to approach this problem, resulting in a significant improvement.
We appeal to you to meet with us, review scientific/medical data that is available pertaining to health effects of sustained noise pollution and enact meaningful change to address this problem. Additionally, allow us to discuss the clear evidence that exists regarding speed reductions and the effect it has on harmful decibel levels. Lastly, also please help us to enact a solution that addresses the dangers associated with high speed, reckless traffic and the impact on residents dependence on the U-turn access points.
We all acknowledge, respect and understand that Ocean Parkway is a vital transportation route for Long Island motorists. And we appeal to you to also respect the concern and plight of the Ocean Barrier Community residents.
Please help us to begin the process, and reach a solution, that effectively slows traffic on Ocean Parkway, through resident sections, in an effort to mitigate the existing unhealthy noise levels, and dangerous navigation that poses risk to the residents of the Barrier Beach Communities.
We hope you hear our concern and bring about the change that is necessary to positively affect the health and safety of the residents of the West Gilgo, Gilgo and Oak Beach Communities.
Respectfully
Residents of Oak Beach, Gilgo Beach and West Gilgo Beach
John DAngelo Johnwestgilgo@gmail.com
63
The Issue
The residents of West Gilgo Beach, Gilgo Beach and Oak Beach are negatively impacted, daily, by unsafe noise levels and hazardous U-turn navigation associated with traffic on Ocean Parkway. The problem has become increasingly worse over time, and occurs consistently at all hours of the day and throughout the year. It is particularly bad with respect to morning and afternoon rush hours, year round weekend auto enthusiasts, and summer beach goers.
The speed limit on Ocean Parkway, through the aforementioned residential communities is 55 mph. Traffic routinely passes through at speeds far in excess of the speed limit, often reaching dangerous levels of 70 mph and greater.
Speeds at these levels create noise decibels that are unsafe for human exposure sustained routinely and consistently.
There are several scientific and medical studies from respected and approved journal sources that confirm the health risks associated with prolonged and sustained noise exposure. Additionally there is scientific proof that clearly demonstrates correlation between speed and decibel level pertaining to traffic; the faster the speed the higher the decibel.
Secondly, the Residents of the Barrier Beach Communities that routinely utilize the U-turn access points are consistently exposed to hazardous navigation. Exiting resident community driveways, in attempt to enter the u-turn sites, motorists must cross two lanes of traffic with dangerous high speed traffic to negotiate; routinely far in excess of the 55 mph speed limit, often 70mph and greater. The length of roadway to complete this action, together with the reckless speeds of commuters is creating an extremely dangerous situation for resident drivers.
The concerned residents listed on this petition would like government officials to empathize with our plight and engage in thought and dialogue in an effort to initiate action to address this problem.There are many ways to approach this problem, resulting in a significant improvement.
We appeal to you to meet with us, review scientific/medical data that is available pertaining to health effects of sustained noise pollution and enact meaningful change to address this problem. Additionally, allow us to discuss the clear evidence that exists regarding speed reductions and the effect it has on harmful decibel levels. Lastly, also please help us to enact a solution that addresses the dangers associated with high speed, reckless traffic and the impact on residents dependence on the U-turn access points.
We all acknowledge, respect and understand that Ocean Parkway is a vital transportation route for Long Island motorists. And we appeal to you to also respect the concern and plight of the Ocean Barrier Community residents.
Please help us to begin the process, and reach a solution, that effectively slows traffic on Ocean Parkway, through resident sections, in an effort to mitigate the existing unhealthy noise levels, and dangerous navigation that poses risk to the residents of the Barrier Beach Communities.
We hope you hear our concern and bring about the change that is necessary to positively affect the health and safety of the residents of the West Gilgo, Gilgo and Oak Beach Communities.
Respectfully
Residents of Oak Beach, Gilgo Beach and West Gilgo Beach
John DAngelo Johnwestgilgo@gmail.com
63
The Decision Makers
Petition created on February 27, 2025