Peter Cohn is a spokeperson for QuieterYonkers.org
In a move that has sparked growing community concern, Yonkers now shares an dubious distinction with Waco, Texas: it has one of the most permissive noise ordinances in the United States.
On November 14th, 2023, in a decision that was made without public hearings or expert consultation, the City Council voted 5-2 to dramatically increase allowable noise levels throughout the city. The vote was taken 15 months ago, but has only recently come to light, much to the dismay of many Yonkers residents who have long listed noise as one of the city’s biggest problems.
General Ordinance No. 15-2023
The changes are stark. The new ordinance raises daytime noise limits from 55 to 85 decibels and nighttime limits from 50 to 65 decibels. While these numbers might seem like modest increases, they represent exponential changes in sound intensity. The daytime limit is now eight times louder than before, while the nighttime limit has doubled in volume.
Noise affects our Health
The health implications are significant. According to the American Public Health Association, chronic noise exposure can lead to cardiovascular disease, sleep disruption, and premature mortality. Children are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing that excessive noise can interfere with cognitive development and contribute to behavioral problems.
What makes this particularly frustrating is that it goes against everything we know about urban health and livability. Every major public health organization recognizes noise as a serious health hazard. Instead of protecting residents, our city has chosen to make the problem worse.
What Can be Done?
In response to these changes, residents have formed the Quieter Yonkers Coalition (www.quieteryonkers.org), which is working to restore more reasonable noise standards. The Coalition has launched a petition drive at https://www.change.org/quieteryonkers. The group argues that the council’s decision threatens both public health and quality of life in Yonkers.
In addition to signing the petition, concerned residents can tell their neighbors to contact their City Councilperson. This law must be changed, for the health of Yonkers.
