“Noise is the New Smoking”
“The car engine noise is louder than noise I have heard in Boston or NYC. It is sometimes unescapable inside my own home and it puts me on edge. It seems like that is directly due to auto regulations not being followed or enforced.” — Elmhurst resident (Sept. 2026)
“I am angry that nothing is done about the loud, almost nightly drag racing that goes on intermittently until 3:00 a.m. I try to soften it with white noise and earplugs, but it’s unavoidable and outrageous — vehicles screaming down Angell [Street] with no mufflers and often music at top volume. It’s so aggressive … … Read more
“The level of noise in my neighborhood is unbearable. People yelling and fighting on the streets, cars souped up to increase noise (e.g., revving engines), enough volume to wake the dead, and vehicles with [over-amplified] speakers are especially egregious. Police cruisers circling the neighborhood would be a good start.” — Federal Hill resident (Ward 13), … Read more
“Noise such as live amplified performances needs to be banned from our smaller streets, and away from residential housing. We need police to ticket and fine offenders more. And we need new laws restricting noise to lower decibel limits, including acoustic shield[ing] requirements for rooftop HVAC units.” — Downtown Arts District resident (Ward 1), May … Read more
“I am a month away from moving out of Providence. While on its face I like my neighborhood, the level of crime and noise are far in excess of what I will tolerate … Illegally modified vehicles traverse through my street all day every day, 24/7. If you haven’t personally experienced this, imagine a grenade … Read more
“I sold my home and moved out of the city to a place where neighbors and homeowners respect each other. Noise was a huge factor: the car stereos, illegal concerts, … dirt bikes, loud motorcycles, [and] loud cars. Police do absolutely nothing [about noise] in Providence and it is well known as a place to … Read more
“Clubs / bars / lounges in residential areas should not be heard outside. The bass should also be at a minimum. If cops are driving by and hear it, they should say something instead of waiting until it’s reported [by a resident]. Also, I have seen some [venues] that have noise meters — start putting … Read more
“The police don’t seem to pursue loud and revving vehicles, racing vehicles, clusters of motorcycles doing wheelies, and other dangerous driving on residential streets.” — Life-long PVD resident living near intersection of Veazie Street and Douglas Ave in Wanskuck / Ward 14 (Sept. 2025)
“Please enforce and get stricter city noise ordinances. Providence is getting more dense and it is getting worse. I think or dream about moving out of Providence.” — Self-identified 32-year African-American resident at Silver Spring and Grafton Streets in North End / Ward 4, who reports feeling “helpless” to address noise in his neighborhood (Sept. … Read more
“Cars playing music continues at AAA parking lot. Sometimes they are asked to leave, but they return in the middle of the night.” — Self-identified Latino resident of Metcalf Street in Charles / Ward 4 (Sept. 2025)