Task Force Releases Battle Plan To Combat Noise In Wash Heights

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — The conversation around noise pollution in Upper Manhattan blasted on Tuesday as the WaHi-Inwood Task Force On Noise released 29 recommendations to help alleviate the "most serious noise issues" expected for summer 2021 and beyond in Washington Heights and Inwood.

The community-led task force sent out a news release Monday asking city agencies and Upper Manhattan elected officials to "take action on illegal dirt bikes and other noise issues plaguing the area."

A collection of the task force's recommendations centered around more enforcement on fireworks, dirt bikes, and outdoor speakers.

The WaHi-Inwood Task Force on Noise began meeting in November 2020 and is made up of local tenants, seniors, school representatives, small-business owners, community organizations and academic experts in environmental noise.

The task force has held meetings since November with its members, various city agencies, and elected officials around the topic of noise pollution.

"The Task Force has been encouraged by the strong showing of the various city agencies and elected officials at our meetings to have these dialogues about accountability and possible solutions," Tanya Bonner, the task force chair, said in a news release. "Now it is time for action."

That reference to action is outlined in 29 recommendations for goals released on Tuesday in the ongoing battle against noise in Washington Heights and Inwood.

The task force released the recommendations in two sub-categories, short-term goals aimed at getting quick results, and long-term goals looking to tackle more complex noise-related issues.

Here is a complete list of those recommendations.

Short Term Goals

"1. The Mayor’s Office creates an easily-accessible chart that clearly outlines various city agency responsibilities around noise violation enforcement

2. The City commence the work of its Fireworks Task Force that targets illegal fireworks supplier distributors, and those in possession of large quantities by May 1st of each year - instead of around Memorial Day.

3. The NYPD create enforcement solutions for visible illegal firework activity perpetrated by individuals and groups in the community, and that puts the physical safety of the community at risk.

4. Regular joint NYPD/DEP/DOT inspection points/chokepoints at bridges and other key hotspots for illegal dirt bike/vehicle activity.

5. Coordination of NYPD precincts in Washington Heights and Inwood with other precincts in/outside communities where it is known illegal dirt bikes are being stored and/or where these bikes are originating from to investigate and prevent this activity from entering the community.

6. The Manhattan DA and NYPD collaborate on investigations into fake vehicle license plate activity.

7. DOT install speed cameras in known hotspots and outside of school hours, and the NYPD follow-up with hands-off ticketing.

8. That the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation redistributes some PEP officer hours so they can be on duty during the late evening and night hours when illegal parks activity is taking place.

9. That the NYPD in Washington Heights and Inwood rethink its distribution of officers to better respond to noise issues in chronic problem areas by, for example, having rotating surge policing on some nights in designated hotspots.

10. That the Parks Department and NYPD better coordinate efforts to enforce park rules and regulations throughout the day and night to respond to community complaints.

11. That New York City School District 6 integrates the use of the Sound & Noise Education Module developed by NYC DEP, and that introduces students and teachers on sound and the public health issues associated with noise, into its schools’ curriculum.

12. Elected Officials provide resources/funding to launch a community training pilot program on low-cost sensors that measure noise decibel levels.

13. All NYPD community/neighborhood/sector police officers be trained on NYC DEP noise decibel readers, and a system created to ensure those readers are properly recalibrated when needed.

14. That DEP noise decibel readers be made available to all community/neighborhood/sector police officers when on duty.

15. Greater enforcement of small business violations of rules around noise, including the prohibited use of outdoor speakers and DJs.

16. Elected official and community support for two pieces of state legislation addressing certain noise-related issues: Senate Bill S8980 (The “FURIOUS Act”) and Senate Bill S9009 (the “SLEEP Act”).

17. “More engagement on the quality of life issues by elected officials and less divisive rhetoric about culture.”

Long Term Goals

"1. Update the City Noise Code.

2. The City appoint a Noise/Quality of Life Czar who would coordinate between city agencies to address quality of life issues and be a point of contact for the general public.

3. Under the auspices of the Noise/Quality of Life Czar, create a multi-agency committee to regularly address quality of life issues as they arise.

4. Audit and analyze 311 complaints and response times.

5. Enlist new technologies to measure noise levels, including integration into the city 311 application.

6. That DOT work with NYPD and the community in the Installation of traffic calming devices in known hotspots in Washington Heights and Inwood.

7. That vehicles are ticketed by license plate (rather than by the driver) at the time of the incident.

8. That churches and other places of worship help to educate the community on the impact of excessive noise on the community.

9. That elected officials, community organizations, Community Board 12, Manhattan, and other stakeholders work with the Task Force in sponsoring and supporting a series of community dialogues around the issue of excessive noise and the impact on the community.

10. That DOT, along with New York City Department of Small Business Services, develop a targeted education program in Washington Heights and Inwood on rules against noise-related offenses, including the use of outdoor speakers and DJs.

11. A return to foot patrol styles of community engagement by the NYPD.

12. Develop a system that assists tenants in engaging with building landlords and management to address problem tenants with multiple noise-related complaints."