“Noise is the New Smoking”
“I’m leaving Providence. Good riddance to all the jerks revving their crappy motorcycles and … ‘Look at me!’ idiots blasting profanity laden music from their rolling bass bins at all hours, the moronic fireworks enthusiasts who ruin a good chunk of summer, the bored and neglected dogs barking away (often for hours) until someone comes … Read more
“I’m surprised that a busy [and much bigger] city like Philadelphia, where I lived next to a train station, was less noisy than the cars in Providence. I moved recently to Providence and learned this is a ‘normal’ experience. It’s very disturbing to my dog to constantly be stressed by loud music and cars, and … 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 noise ordinance is not enforced [and the] problem never gets resolved. Start taking loud music from residential houses seriously. Train police on how loud music is a health hazard.” — Self-identified Latino resident at Branch and Flora Streets (Sept. 2025)
“I live in the vicinity of Thayer Street and there is an endless amount of vehicle noise 24/7 that prevents me from sleeping, studying, relaxing, etc., and I know it is severely adversely impacting my health. Every single day there are groups of 10+ motorcyclists revving their engines, and worse, there are cars revving their … 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
“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