Wall Of Sound

To the Editor:
I am pleased to hear Mayor Bloomberg is so concerned about the unacceptable levels of noise in New York — but it seems that this concern does not extend to the outer boroughs, especially Queens. Like most streets in Ozone Park and South Ozone Park, my block used to be pleasant, with the exception of the occasional party, block party, or 4th of July. For the past ten years it has become unbearably noisy. Loud music from morning through night, drumming, reggae music blasting from parked cars, and constant parties throughout the year have contributed to an overall low quality of life. Then there are the blocked driveways — seems no one understands the concept of parking legally anymore. With so many homes being illegally converted to multi-family dwellings, the amount of cars and SUVs has skyrocketed.
Which brings us to the amount of houses in this community that have become little more than fancy flop-houses and fire traps. Again, no enforcement of the law, and arrogance on the part of landlords and tenants when it comes to flaunting the law. One morning I was channel surfing and happened to come across a local Guyanese station broadcast from Richmond Hill that was telling their listeners how to avoid and confound housing inspectors, and informing them of their “civil rights” to pretty much do what they want. I am sad to say that like many of my neighbors, I am disgusted with what used to be a wonderful community and I can not understand why laws governing quality of life are upheld in other parts of the city or in Nassau and Westchester County and why it’s such a problem here. Like many of my neighbors who have already fled, other pastures beckon – they may not be greener pastures, but they sure as hell are more civilized!
Ann Rychlenski
Ozone Park