hhusted
hhusted

Noise in the City

As everyone knows, NYC is a place that never sleeps. As such, there is always something going on. And with movement, there usually is noise. I remember a couple of years ago, noise was so bad in certain sections of the city, the city government put up a ban on excessive noise in certain places.

Does anyone remember those areas? Do you live in an area where there is an ordiance against loud noise?
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Magg
Magg 2yrs+
I didn't know those existed! :-D Having grown up in Brooklyn though in a building that was situated over the "L" subway line, I guess I am deaf to the noise by now.

Ahh, city life, you gotta love it (or get ear plugs). :-)
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ajadedidealist
ajadedidealist 2yrs+
Carnegie Hill is a very, VERY quiet neighborhood. Don't know if it's an official ban (and it might well be; the neighborhood's residents are really picky about quality of life - even tried to get a gaudy Dunkin Donuts marquee taken down because it didn't go with the historical buildings, and refuses to let a McDonald's nearby...) but it sure is pleasant at night!
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BroadwayBK
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
Everyone in New York lives in an area with an ordinance against noise - there are two statues that deal with the issue: New York City Noise Control Code (supposedly one of the toughest noise ordinances in the nation) and a piece of the NYC Building Code that addresses noise. Here's some more extensive info: http://www.tenantsservices.com/art_nyc_noise.php
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hhusted
hhusted 2yrs+
Thanks BroadwayBK for that link. It helps to know where the ordiances are in force so you don't break them and end up getting a ticket.
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Thanks, BroadwayBK.
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uptowngirl
uptowngirl 2yrs+
I think some of the most annoying sounds in the city are the sirens used by the firetrucks and ambulances, I do realize that they need to have a clear road but does it really warrant the din that they create as they tear down the streets?
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BroadwayBK
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
Sirens are in no way more annoying than car alarms. I have the privilege of living by the elevated JMZ line and often hear car alarms go off every time the train goes by. Perhaps don't park your car with the uber-sensitive alarm under the tracks? Or just don't turn it on!!! This is probably one for the NYC Pet Peeves forum....
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Living with a window facing a busy street, I've noticed I don't mind the chatter down below. But artificial sounds like car horns just makes me nuts.
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ajadedidealist
ajadedidealist 2yrs+
If your building has a courtyard-type structure, it might be worth sacrificing a nice view in order to have peace and quiet - inwards-facing apartments tend to be much quieter, and some nice gauzy curtains can disguise the fact you're looking over a garden with a single yellowed blade of grass in it...
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
The one apartment I had facing a courtyard was wonderful. That one tree out the window made me feel human again every time I came home.
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