“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

“At school pick-up [time], parents don’t get out of their cars to get their kids, they wail on the horn! With people and kids all around. It’s shocking, jarring, and so frustrating! I have never had so much stress and anxiety living in the city.” — Elmwood resident who previously lived in Detroit for 20 years

“Uphold the rule that garbage trucks cannot operate at unreasonable hours [5:00 a.m.]” — Wayland Square resident

Responses to the Noise Project’s Community Noise Survey Q: How do you feel when you notice noise? A: Afraid to even go to my bedroom. Q: Do you do things to try to avoid noise? A: Take sleeping pills. — Self-identified Latino resident of South Providence

“Every night I hear people driving by with their windows down blasting awful music because they think they are so cool. I don’t remember the last night I haven’t heard some jackass doing this, and it is usually 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. It wakes me up frequently even when I wear headphones.” — Federal … Read more

“I don’t know who to contact and don’t feel anything can be done to change it. It has become a sad fact of my existence that has negatively impacted my anxiety, stress, and irritability levels.” — Downtown resident at Memorial and Westminster Streets

“I have been very surprised by the amount of noise since moving to Providence last year and highly affected. I had no idea about the health perspective and the way in which residents are affected systemically in Providence. I recently moved to a new house with higher rent in a different neighborhood in large part … Read more

“I can’t tell you how horrible this is. People in our building leave during special events. We have a decibel meter and it has registered up to 125 dB with the windows closed. Friday to Sunday nights we can’t sleep, and the club downstairs is always loud. They’re supposed to have their windows shut, but … Read more