Quality of life – Providence Noise Project

“The noise from cars and their music is truly unacceptable and there is NO enforcement of the law. Who do these people think they are driving through neighborhoods with their cars like that? It’s constant.” — West End / Armory resident who moved to Providence two years ago

“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

“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

Resident Testimonial

“Even publishing the quietest and loudest neighborhoods, so folks can make informed decisions about where to possibly live if they are noise sensitive, would improve our quality of life in Providence.” — Self-identified African-American resident of Charles neighborhood, 2024 [NOTE: Mayor Brett Smiley supported measuring noise in Providence as a candidate, but reneged on … Read more

“The noise in this neighborhood largely comes from the chaotic auto shops that use the road as a parking lot, private residences, and a parking lot at the end of Peace Street where people park their cars and blast music with commercial level speakers. Despite the hour, car stereos are always turned to a stadium … Read more

“We moved to Providence a year ago after decades in NYC and London, where we have never experienced noise levels like the ones we’re subjected to here. Our terrace is unusable and our windows must be closed because of the constant din of speeding motorcycles, unmufflered cars, booming radios, and large trucks speeding off of … Read more

“First I speak with the neighbor [making excessive noise]. I realize that if they are blasting their music they do not care what I have to say. Then my neighbors and I report the house to the [Providence Police] non-emergency number. We are frustrated because nothing happens. We get more stressed knowing that we have … Read more

“The Providence City Council encourages the City of East Providence to be mindful of the other members of the community and avoid loud, unnecessary, excessive … noise, as noise pollution can have direct adverse impacts on public health and diminishes the quality of life for surrounding residents” (emphasis added) — Feb. 2023 resolution regarding noise … Read more

“The PVD Noise project is doing God’s work. Noise is a serious problem in PVD and everyone here seems to kind of just ignore it. It’s far worse here than anywhere else I’ve lived, and I live in what is considered to be one of the quieter neighborhoods. When I visit South PVD, for example, … Read more

“Excessive speeding on our street, loud mufflers purposely installed, lots of revving … You can’t get away from it.” — College Hill resident