“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
Testimonial Category: Sleep / health
“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
“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
“Calling noise a nuisance is like calling smog an inconvenience. Noise must be considered a hazard to the health of people everywhere.” — Former Surgeon General William H. Stewart, chief medical officer of the United States
“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