Photo credit: Josh Sorenson
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
The Jersey Journal reports that enforcement efforts can reduce loud noise. The title of reporter David Menzie’s article is, “Enforcement Efforts Can Reduce Loud Noise, Psychologist Says.” And who is that psychologist? The Quiet Coalition’s and Quiet Communities, Inc.’s pioneering noise expert, CUNY Professor Emerita Arline Bronzaft.
Bronzaft discusses noise issues in New York City, and her pioneering research showing that noise interfered with children’s learning. By many accounts New York City is the country’s noisiest city, if not the world. She notes that there are many laws governing noise in New York, and in most communities around the country, but enforcement is lacking. Without effective enforcement, even the best municipal noise ordinances are worthless.
Bronzaft concludes by discussing the “learned helplessness” that results from people trying to resolve a problem but not getting any response from their elected representatives, police or code enforcement authorities. She advised people to communicate with their local and state representatives about noise pollution, and to vote for those who promise to do something about noise.
As Bronzaft discusses, technology can help municipalities enforce noise ordinances. Unlike other municipal code violations — a fence built without a permit, for example — noise violations are evanescent. But noise cameras, pioneered in Europe, are now being introduced in New York City and other cities. In Santa Monica, California, where use of all leaf blowers is banned, anyone can take a picture of someone using a leaf blower. That photo, with additional information about the date, time and location, can be submitted to the city, which will issue a citation.
In addition to complaining about noise to elected representatives, people can recommend their cities use noise cameras or support a leaf blower ban. If other cities can do this, your city can too. That might help make your city a quieter city, a better and healthier city for all.
