“Noise is the New Smoking”
Excessive noise “doesn’t get properly addressed because it’s [still] a continuous problem [and] there’s no protocol for problem houses … Enforce the loud-noise ordinance with fines and fees. Also, lower the 200 feet [distance at which sound is deemed non-compliant with the noise] ordinance to zero … [because] in Providence houses are closer together. The … Read more
“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city [of Providence] to prohibit unnecessary, excessive, and offensive noise from all sources subject to its police power, for the sole purpose of securing and promoting the public health, comfort, safety, and welfare of the citizenry.” — Providence City Council, Municipal Code Sec. 16-91
“Every year for 12 years I have called the police for loud music being played in neighbors yards at all hours of the night.” — Elmwood resident, June
“The worst offenders are people that bring giant external speakers and direct them toward Mashapaug Pond in a deliberate attempt to have the noise scatter over the Pond and bother as many people as possible. … My house is a mile away and SHAKES from the noise. The police do NOT respond to noise complaints … Read more
“The police are just temporary band-aids because they don’t give out citations and the people they confront disrespect them, and as soon as they leave they put music back on even higher … Give out citations, send people to court, and I bet they will think twice [before they] re-offend.” — Self-identified African-American resident on … Read more
“We need [noise] monitoring, stricter noise laws, and more police enforcement.” — Downtown resident, May 2025
“Police do absolutely nothing. When you ask your neighbors to turn down music, they ignore the request. The City Council doesn’t do anything either. There’s one guy who sits outside for hours at a time blasting music. He doesn’t even live near where he always parks. Something needs to be done. Living near Federal Hill … Read more
“Since the weather has gotten warm, we have near constant traffic of loud motorcycles, cars, and ATVs coming up Brook Street. These vehicles make excessive noise, both through engine revving and blaring music. They also often drive unsafely, posing a potential danger to residents in the area … These vehicles pass our house about every … Read more
“The Providence Housing Authority projects are the worst places to live: People shout and blast music from their homes or vehicles, as if they live alone. They think they’re bringing joy to others, but in reality, we suffer from hearing loss, anxiety, high blood pressure, and nervousness. We’re alone; no one helps us anymore. Authorities … Read more
“Desperately need NOISE CAMERAS” — Summit resident, 2024