The warmer weather brings with it longer days, time outdoors – and, according to many, noise.
“Noise is one of the most called about complaints to 3-1-1,” said Nick Sbordone, spokesperson for the call center.
From loud radios in vehicles to backyard barbecues to block parties, many residents want to maintain their quiet.
And at the most recent 106th Precinct Community Council meeting, Community Board 10 chair Betty Braton brought up the issue, which is a hot topic in the area.
“Over the years, this precinct has done a tremendous job of reducing noise,” she said to Captain Thomas Pascale.
This year, as in years past, Pascale said, the 106 will review chronic complaints and send out letters. During the summer, officers assigned to the School Unit will be reassigned to the Conditions Unit and will respond to complaints.
After a warning, said Pascale, officers will take action, even taking sound equipment.
But one local griped, “As the weather gets warmer, the noise gets worse. Even if [police] respond, later the noise will start up again.”
Sbordone said that for Fiscal Year 2010, there were 6,442 noise complaints in CB 9 and CB 10, down from 8,084 in 2007; he said that the best way to handle a noisy situation is by calling 3-1-1.
For complaints involving your neighbor, local park, street or restaurant or even loud vehicles, calls will be directed to the local precinct.
Complaints regarding loud/after hours construction can be logged online and go to the Department of Environmental Protection.
