Mister Softee Jingle Complaints Threaten Wash Hts Truck: Owner

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — It seems not all Upper Manhattan community members love the Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck jingle.

A truck owner says he's struggling to get permission to serve customers in Fort Tryon Park because of complaints about the noise of sellers' jingles in the area.

Pablo Laverde taped a note to the side of his vehicle asking customers to voice their support for him, and expressing his willingness to work with those that complain.

"We would like to start by thanking you for all the support we have received through all these years. At the same time, we want to apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused," the Mister Softee truck driver wrote.

"We understand that peace, tranquility and silence is important to you and your community. For that reason, we ask for your help for a solution."

The Parks Department told Patch it stopped issuing permits for ice cream trucks to operate in the area seven years ago because of complaints about noise and fumes. A spokesperson said Laverde had been operating there illegally.

In a phone call with Patch, Laverde suggested he be allowed to take the truck farther into the park and away from residential buildings, and making sure that the ice cream truck doesn't play the jingle when it is parked.

"I understand that noise is an important thing, but I am looking for a solution," Laverde told Patch. "This is my livelihood."

Recent 311 data shows 40 noise complaint since March 13, 2021, relating to ice cream trucks in the 10033, 10040, and 10034 ZIP codes. Several reported problems at the entrance to Fort Tryon Park at 720-730 Fort Washington Avenue.

On April 25, there were four noise complaints regarding an ice cream truck from 4:32 p.m. to 7:19 p.m. for the Fort Tryon Park entrance. With one more Mister Softee jingle complaint that day at 11:45 p.m. just a few blocks away.

The idea of people calling in noise complaints to 311 over a Mister Softee truck caused a serious backlash among Upper Manhattan Facebook groups.

"If you're out here complaining about an ice cream truck you should be ashamed of yourself," one resident wrote.

Another person on Facebook wrote, "PSA: If you complain about the Mr. Softee jingle, PLEASE immediately buy some farmland and move to a life of isolation."

You can find the full note from Laverde here.