Instead of providing building permits to whoever pays the fee, why doesn't the Mayor's office and or the Building Department thoughtfully consider the construction/ repairs that is already in progress. Construction that includes new building and infrastructure repair adds to traffic congestion and noise- why not wait to issue permits for new building so that the City doesn't look like or sound like a construction site? Why are so many after hour construction permits being issued?
SUMMER SOUNDS IN PROSPECT PARK
Throughout the day, till the sun goes down,
What you hear is bugsong in this part of town
(Along with birdsong, a familiar patter,
But that's an entirely other matter).
The cicada's the loudest of the choir,
Bursting forth like an insect on fire.
It compresses and vibrates all its body
To please the ear like a musical toddy.
But once the dark overtakes the land,
You'll hear other bugs take the music stand.
Both crickets and katydids sing nonstop,
Inviting passersby to eavesdrop.
The cricket rubs his forewings to make
The music that keeps the squirrels awake
And the katydid does exactly the same
Repeatedly, like a children's game.
The buzzing hovers till the first frost of fall,
When the bugs embrace a new protocol.
Our insects depart the leafy sprawl.
Soon--silent snow envelops all.
Throughout the day, till the sun goes down,
What you hear is bugsong in this part of town
(Along with birdsong, a familiar patter,
But that's an entirely other matter).
The cicada's the loudest of the choir,
Bursting forth like an insect on fire.
It compresses and vibrates all its body
To please the ear like a musical toddy.
But once the dark overtakes the land,
You'll hear other bugs take the music stand.
Both crickets and katydids sing nonstop,
Inviting passersby to eavesdrop.
The cricket rubs his forewings to make
The music that keeps the squirrels awake
And the katydid does exactly the same
Repeatedly, like a children's game.
The buzzing hovers till the first frost of fall,
When the bugs embrace a new protocol.
Our insects depart the leafy sprawl.
Soon--silent snow envelops all.
4
Upper West Side, 5:15 am Monday, I am jarred awake from a deep sleep by a sudden blast from ambulance. Already have a white noise machine on. Nothing will cancel that ambulance wail
4
Ambulance sirens especially those of Mount Sinai are way too high in decibels and if you suffer from sensitive ears to high pitch noises it is an excruciating experience. One of them turned on the siren while i was walking by and it drove me into the ground. I was hearing a ringing in my ears for a day or two. Ambulances are supposed to help people not hurt them!
8
Sirens have to be loud in order to rise above automobile sound systems. Why do these idiot drivers blast their rhythmic aggression for all to listen to? If they ran you over and you screamed, they wouldn't hear you.
I think most of them must be advertising something.
I think most of them must be advertising something.
2
Car horns. worse of the lot are the TLC autos. a light has changed to green and it's one second when the horns start. people crossing the street and first car is waiting for a clearing and the subsequent cars are beeping. i wish i there was paintball in the city, or passengers request the driver not beep or no tip. there should be a way for citizens to unite against the unnecessary beeping.
3
Build a wall around the city and ban people. I'm sure the noise pollution would drop.
It's the people who make the noise, driving the cars honking the horns, partying until 4am, talking, yelling, and singing. It's the people who need the constant transportation, and thus increase the constant noise that comes with active transportation. It's the people always causing incidents, calling about incidents, demanding incidents to be dealt with swiftly, that lead to the rush of ambulances and fire trucks. It's the people out with their friends having loud conversations, every day and every night. It's people wanting to attract more people to their businesses by enticing them with socializing noises such as loud music.
Ban people from living, working, or just hanging around here, and there will be less noise.
It's the people who make the noise, driving the cars honking the horns, partying until 4am, talking, yelling, and singing. It's the people who need the constant transportation, and thus increase the constant noise that comes with active transportation. It's the people always causing incidents, calling about incidents, demanding incidents to be dealt with swiftly, that lead to the rush of ambulances and fire trucks. It's the people out with their friends having loud conversations, every day and every night. It's people wanting to attract more people to their businesses by enticing them with socializing noises such as loud music.
Ban people from living, working, or just hanging around here, and there will be less noise.
In a similar vein the PAs at sporting events now blare music and commercials so loud you can no longer chat with the person next to you. Aren't people capable of enjoying a baseball game without a constant stream of diversions and video nonsense?
10
1) There is an excessive use of car/bus horns in New York City. 2) Emergency vehicle sirens seem much louder than what I experience in other cities.
7
We all agree that noise is a major problem in the city and that it has only gotten worse. I no longer open my windows and I am forced to use AC, even when the weather is nice, because of the noise. Opening a window guarantees interrupted conversations and interrupted sleep, along with bad air. The city has numerous laws that forbid honking, car alarms, motorcycles without mufflers, etc. but as the problem has worsened. enforcement is required the way scoff laws have been.
9
I agree about car horns being a horrible problem. The idea that the law is enforceable seems a pipe dream to me. So I have this other dream: I'm walking down any street in my neighborhood, with my paintball gun, and every time some jerk sits on a horn, I get to leave my mark.
12
have that dream every day i'm out walking. putting a finger to my lips for shhhhh has the effect of drivers giving me the finger.
4
Please don't tell me I'm crazy. I love the noise of New York City.
Granted, I don't have to "live" there, but am there visiting a lot - from rural Wisconsin, where there is plenty of peace and quiet. Too much so.
New York City is life itself to me.
The ambulance sirens are welcome to me beacause as a healthcare provider it reminds me that people in New York have access to some of the finest healthcare facilities in the world; research that benefits us all, cancer service of the finest quality, emergency service and passion we clearly counted on for 9/11.
The taxi cabs honking makes me grateful we can still get from one place to another in New York when we need to, and for the most part, safely. Nothing like braking in a NY taxi, or a conversation with a taxi driver about the latest news. The drivers have interesting takes, just listen and keep open minded.
Jack hammers - annoying, yes. But imagine yourself blind that you would never see improvements or structural changes in NY. We know when we hear the jack hammers, there is also structural change ongoing - a good thing.
But the best, the voices on the street, the hustle and bustle Those voices which carry the languages of so many, in a blur sometimes as we move along the sidewalks. Diversity abounds! The accents of parents guiding their kids, business people on their phones, lovers with those foreign, to us, accents.
Oh New Yorkers Be glad you are not deaf! The sound of your city is sweet music. It is you!
Granted, I don't have to "live" there, but am there visiting a lot - from rural Wisconsin, where there is plenty of peace and quiet. Too much so.
New York City is life itself to me.
The ambulance sirens are welcome to me beacause as a healthcare provider it reminds me that people in New York have access to some of the finest healthcare facilities in the world; research that benefits us all, cancer service of the finest quality, emergency service and passion we clearly counted on for 9/11.
The taxi cabs honking makes me grateful we can still get from one place to another in New York when we need to, and for the most part, safely. Nothing like braking in a NY taxi, or a conversation with a taxi driver about the latest news. The drivers have interesting takes, just listen and keep open minded.
Jack hammers - annoying, yes. But imagine yourself blind that you would never see improvements or structural changes in NY. We know when we hear the jack hammers, there is also structural change ongoing - a good thing.
But the best, the voices on the street, the hustle and bustle Those voices which carry the languages of so many, in a blur sometimes as we move along the sidewalks. Diversity abounds! The accents of parents guiding their kids, business people on their phones, lovers with those foreign, to us, accents.
Oh New Yorkers Be glad you are not deaf! The sound of your city is sweet music. It is you!
10
This is a beautiful expression of a deep love for a wonderful city. Whether it's at all accurate, it's a lovely reminder to New Yorkers of what they have. As I read I was reminded of the old Gordon Jenkins tribute, "Manhattan Tower".
1
It's mostly the sirens of our antiquated ambulances and fire trucks that are unnecessarily loud. Why would we need to hear them from a mile away?
They really need to be upgraded asap and please cut the diesel out too while your at it!
They really need to be upgraded asap and please cut the diesel out too while your at it!
4
My window air conditioner is a real savior for me when it comes to drowning out city noise. Granted, it's expensive and not great for the environment, but it does the job.
Reading the comments on last week's article on this topic, car horns appear to be the biggest offender in NYC. They're a serious blight on the city's aural landscape and 98% of the time, they're used completely unnecessarily.
To those who say, "oh, it's you newcomers expecting suburban peace and quiet" -- that suggests one should accept what's bad about a city rather than trying to improve it. Go to other major world capitals (London, Tokyo, Berlin, Vienna) and you won't find the same constant honking. We should learn from how those cities control noise and aspire to their standards.
Reading the comments on last week's article on this topic, car horns appear to be the biggest offender in NYC. They're a serious blight on the city's aural landscape and 98% of the time, they're used completely unnecessarily.
To those who say, "oh, it's you newcomers expecting suburban peace and quiet" -- that suggests one should accept what's bad about a city rather than trying to improve it. Go to other major world capitals (London, Tokyo, Berlin, Vienna) and you won't find the same constant honking. We should learn from how those cities control noise and aspire to their standards.
13
'To those who say, "Oh, it's you newcomers expecting suburban peace and quiet" -- that suggests one should accept what's bad about a city rather than trying to improve it.'
It also suggests that only newcomers expect peace and quiet.
As someone who was born in Brooklyn well over sixty years ago and have lived here all my life, I can tell you that when I was a kid, it was quiet. That's why I expect people not to shout when they converse or scream when they need to laugh. Or curse when they want to emphasize what they're saying.
And yes, horn-honking was relatively rare. And for that matter, police sirens were a once-in-a-blue-moon phenomenon. But that's when the crime rate was lower.
It also suggests that only newcomers expect peace and quiet.
As someone who was born in Brooklyn well over sixty years ago and have lived here all my life, I can tell you that when I was a kid, it was quiet. That's why I expect people not to shout when they converse or scream when they need to laugh. Or curse when they want to emphasize what they're saying.
And yes, horn-honking was relatively rare. And for that matter, police sirens were a once-in-a-blue-moon phenomenon. But that's when the crime rate was lower.
11
"As someone who was born in Brooklyn well over sixty years ago".
B.
Ah, you are my age. The 1950's on E42nd near Flatbush and Nostrand were quieter and much less populated-a real blue collar post war/GI Bill neighborhood. But even they had a lot more sound then upstate NY. This noisy owl near my yard sometimes wakes me up. It is dead silence.
B.
Ah, you are my age. The 1950's on E42nd near Flatbush and Nostrand were quieter and much less populated-a real blue collar post war/GI Bill neighborhood. But even they had a lot more sound then upstate NY. This noisy owl near my yard sometimes wakes me up. It is dead silence.
2
Billy, did you ever eat at a restaurant called the Rivoli near one of the big movie theaters on Flatbush? Or buy books at the Book Worm on Flatbush, near Church? Or go to Dubin's or Sutter's bakery? Those were quiet days in Flatbush. Perhaps not as quiet as Tivoli or Fishkill, though I understand that noise is coming up your way too. . . .
1
Come down to 2nd St & 1st Ave any Tuesday night to see how Hell Square is expanding into the East Village. Since 2016 Spiegel Cafe (26 1st Ave, corner of 2nd St) hosts a "Two Wheel Tuesday" event. Every Tuesday night 30-50 motorcyclists congregate in front of the bar and up 2nd St from 8PM until the bar closes at 1:30AM in an illegal block party. Bikes are double-parked on each side of the street and bikers hang out in the street and drink beer as there is no room on the sidewalk. All night we hear yelling, revving and idling of motorcycles, many with loud, altered mufflers. The bikers enjoy taking off with a roar, circling the block and returning. Repeated complaints to local politicians, CB3 and the 9th Pct. get no action. Calls to the bar get "It's only 11 PM!" and "That's New York!" We've seen NYPD officers observe the double-parked bikes, public drinking, disturbing the peace, and bikers in the street and do nothing.
Working people and babies need to sleep. Children need to do their homework in peace. The elderly and the sick need rest. Meltzer Towers senior residence is just up the block. This was a quiet residential block until Hell Square moved north.
Please take a look at the photos on the Spiegel Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/spiegelnyc/ You will get an idea of the crowded sidewalks and street and you'll see a couple drinking beer on the sidewalk. The photos do not convey the noise level but you can imagine what it sounds like.
Working people and babies need to sleep. Children need to do their homework in peace. The elderly and the sick need rest. Meltzer Towers senior residence is just up the block. This was a quiet residential block until Hell Square moved north.
Please take a look at the photos on the Spiegel Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/spiegelnyc/ You will get an idea of the crowded sidewalks and street and you'll see a couple drinking beer on the sidewalk. The photos do not convey the noise level but you can imagine what it sounds like.
17
The Staten Island Ferry's horn is too loud. I can hear it easily inside my place in Park Slope. Is there some rule that the bigger the boat the louder its horn has to be?
1
If the worst noise you hear in Park Slope comes from New York Harbor, then you're a lucky man. Sometimes when it's foggy, I hear boat horns. Quite the most beautiful sound in the world.
10
Yankees scuttle Mariners
1
Another useful noise-masking tool is a white noise phone or tablet app.
Why has nobody mentioned those terribly high pitched sounds on the busses and subways?! The beeping noise when a wheelchair lift is opening or closing, or the doors closing ding dong on the subway! Those noises are so loud they hurt my ears!
10
Noise complaints can be submitted to 311 online at -
https://www1.nyc.gov/apps/311universalintake/form.htm?serviceName=NYPD+N...
https://www1.nyc.gov/apps/311universalintake/form.htm?serviceName=NYPD+N...
1
The biggest noise offender is EMS sirens. There is NO reason they have to be heard in a 10 mile radius at ear splitting decibels and frequencies.
6
Oh please. Headphones and White Noise Machines aren't going to cut it -- Not in a city as overpopulated as this one is.
Just for the record. New York has never been quiet.
There might have been neighborhoods like the U.E.S. that were less noisy, but they were STILL noisy (I know. I lived there before it was "discovered" by box-stores, multiple high-rises and exploding rents).
This is a fact. As long as people keep crowding in, and they keep on building more and higher Luxury buildings to accommodate them, and more and more traffic chokes the streets, bridges, and rails, there will be noise ... and more of it. End of story.
Get used to it.
Just for the record. New York has never been quiet.
There might have been neighborhoods like the U.E.S. that were less noisy, but they were STILL noisy (I know. I lived there before it was "discovered" by box-stores, multiple high-rises and exploding rents).
This is a fact. As long as people keep crowding in, and they keep on building more and higher Luxury buildings to accommodate them, and more and more traffic chokes the streets, bridges, and rails, there will be noise ... and more of it. End of story.
Get used to it.
3
@N.Smith: It's not about crowding, it's about LACK OF RESPECT for other people. That is the noise issue in a nutshell. People walk around (or drive, or worse, PARK their boom-box car and keep blasting sound) as if nobody lived in any of the buildings on any given residential block.
The Lower East Side was super-jammed a hundred years ago, but they didn't have radios, cars fitted with super-sub-woofers, motorcycles, etc. - therefore the noise was not as bad as it is today.
The Lower East Side was super-jammed a hundred years ago, but they didn't have radios, cars fitted with super-sub-woofers, motorcycles, etc. - therefore the noise was not as bad as it is today.
16
It's BOTH!!! -- One doesn't preclude the other.
Crowding and an overall disrespect that people seem to have for one another these days, is both one and the same.
Crowding and an overall disrespect that people seem to have for one another these days, is both one and the same.
1
The safety device known as the car horn has become the social media mechanism of choice for NY Drivers. Germany once required drivers to have two horns: a "city horn" and a "highway horn". So German?
In the middle East, the toot of the car horn is used to announce one's presence top another driver (e.g. in Cairo). The middle East horn protocols have arrived in what was once a very German NYC.
It is now time to require any NYC driver wishing to toot a non-emergency situation to do so with a muted "city horn".
In the middle East, the toot of the car horn is used to announce one's presence top another driver (e.g. in Cairo). The middle East horn protocols have arrived in what was once a very German NYC.
It is now time to require any NYC driver wishing to toot a non-emergency situation to do so with a muted "city horn".
6
"And as the city grows, so will its decibel level."
But again, let's be clear: There's the sound of men and machines at work, and there's the sound of inconsiderate people who've never been taught to modulate their voices or to lower their sound systems. The one signals building or repair, worthy endeavors. The other shows a break-down of civilized behavior.
Sometimes I hear aggressive shouting and cursing outside my window and run to see if I need to call 911. But no, it's just people strolling by, chatting.
But again, let's be clear: There's the sound of men and machines at work, and there's the sound of inconsiderate people who've never been taught to modulate their voices or to lower their sound systems. The one signals building or repair, worthy endeavors. The other shows a break-down of civilized behavior.
Sometimes I hear aggressive shouting and cursing outside my window and run to see if I need to call 911. But no, it's just people strolling by, chatting.
18
An easy fix - have NYPD actually patrol and enforce no honking regulations in the streets leading to the Holland, Lincoln tunnels. The noise from the cars honking outside the Holland Tunnel stretches from 4PM to 7PM, every single day and is unbearable. I work in an office building on Hudson St, and we do not have client meetings past 4 at the office because the sound from the cars is so loud.
12
The green cab drivers in Brooklyn honk at EVERY intersection as they are worried about pedestrians stepping into the street. And B61 bus drivers honk constantly - we have made complaints to the MTA and it doesn't help. Changing the horns on those two types of vehicles would quiet things down in my neighborhood!
3
A city code requiring Green Cabs, Buses. and all Uber/Lyft cabs to have a city "non-emergency" horn to sing their arrival is inevitable. Thank you!
1
Even years ago NYC noise was a problem. I commuted to the City from NJ in the 1990s and when I stepped down from my train, back in Jersey at the end of the day, the first thing I noticed was the "quiet." I didn't work in Midtown but Chelsea before it went so upscale. I can't imagine how much worse it's now gotten.
3
Most of the noise in New York comes from politicians.
4
Before I moved upstate my fave was when you would be at a traffic light--the moment it turned, whomever was behind you blasted the horn. It did not matter how quickly you moved, he or she must have always had their hand on the horn, honking in a fraction of a second.
That being said, it took at least a year to get used to the quiet after we moved upstate. We half expected someone in a hockey mask with a chainsaw to come out of the woods, with no one able to hear the family scream. And yes, it is difficult to go to sleep in dead silence. the city hum is missing. Surely there is a happy medium?
That being said, it took at least a year to get used to the quiet after we moved upstate. We half expected someone in a hockey mask with a chainsaw to come out of the woods, with no one able to hear the family scream. And yes, it is difficult to go to sleep in dead silence. the city hum is missing. Surely there is a happy medium?
12
In the rest of the country that instant honk is known as a New York minute!
2
Best example I've seen of that is a woman who was the only car at a red light. The light turned green and she automatically honked, and several pedestrians stared at her. Then she realized that she had basically honked at herself and she drove off quickly.
2
@anne ross-
"I’ve lived in and traveled through major cities on all continents. None of them comes close to New York when it comes to honking. "
Really? Of course, NYC is loud and there is lots of car honking but nothing even close to other big cities of the world. Rome? Madrid? Sao Paolo? Mexico City? I could go on and on.
Also, the rise in noise complaints seems to be equal to the amount of carpetbaggers taking over my city and wishing that NYC was like their little hometown. Recent arrivals don't adapt anymore, they want to re-create their boring hometowns.
"I’ve lived in and traveled through major cities on all continents. None of them comes close to New York when it comes to honking. "
Really? Of course, NYC is loud and there is lots of car honking but nothing even close to other big cities of the world. Rome? Madrid? Sao Paolo? Mexico City? I could go on and on.
Also, the rise in noise complaints seems to be equal to the amount of carpetbaggers taking over my city and wishing that NYC was like their little hometown. Recent arrivals don't adapt anymore, they want to re-create their boring hometowns.
6
Yes, honking. It's so constant that it doesn't serve its purpose: to alert another driver or pedestrian to possible collision. If you're stuck in gridlock, what's the point of honking? When I worked in Midtown in the 1990s, I'd walk down Fifth Avenue every morning and start counting in my head to see how far I'd get between car honks. I never did get to 10. (I think the record was 7.)
9
New York City and its smug politicians and business leaders ignore the effects of noise pollution and a crumbling infrastructure with the dysfunctional subway system leading the way at their own peril.
There are many cities both large and small that can offer what NYC offers in terms of culture and with a cleaner, healthier, friendlier life style. Who would want to really live here given a choice?
What does NYC got? An out of touch 1 percent and the poor. How long do politicians think they can go on exploiting the waves of immigrants who given where they are coming from see this as a step up? It isnt.
There are many cities both large and small that can offer what NYC offers in terms of culture and with a cleaner, healthier, friendlier life style. Who would want to really live here given a choice?
What does NYC got? An out of touch 1 percent and the poor. How long do politicians think they can go on exploiting the waves of immigrants who given where they are coming from see this as a step up? It isnt.
9
I like the suggestion that only billionaires and poor people live in New York, as it completely glosses over the millions of New Yorkers who aren't impoverish nor are billionaires.
I also like the suggestion that there are many cities that can offer everything New York has to offer. I'm interested in moving. Care to name one city in this country? That has 24/7 extensive public transportation system, world class museums and art galleries, unique neighborhoods, a global offering of high end restaurants as well as authentic ethnic restaurants, where anything trendy is available, and etc?
You must not live in NYC, or not really.
I also like the suggestion that there are many cities that can offer everything New York has to offer. I'm interested in moving. Care to name one city in this country? That has 24/7 extensive public transportation system, world class museums and art galleries, unique neighborhoods, a global offering of high end restaurants as well as authentic ethnic restaurants, where anything trendy is available, and etc?
You must not live in NYC, or not really.
19
Maybe not just billionaires and the poor just yet but we might be headed in that direction. Progressives like deBlasio would love that kind of the city. A dependent poor and the very wealthy who can be taxed and taxed.
4
You can't block out 115 decibels edited from Harley Davidson "Hog" motorcycles! (Those with anatomy shortocmings should work out their problems in a less public manner).
The fine for emitting noise that can be heard more than 200 feet in NYC is $400.
Strengthen the law. And ENFORCE THE LAW.
The fine for emitting noise that can be heard more than 200 feet in NYC is $400.
Strengthen the law. And ENFORCE THE LAW.
30
Very clever line:
"In case you haven't heard, New York City is becoming noisier."
"In case you haven't heard, New York City is becoming noisier."
16
Trying to get these thoughts out before the dog wakes up and starts causing noise with his food dish (though that is one of the happier noises).
tune of The Sound of Music
(just in fun, though - I kind of like the noise!)
New York is alive with the sound of ruckus
With noise that gets worse through the passing years
New York seems to thrive with the sound of ruckus
That I just block out with plugs in my ears
My heart can still warm to the sound of a truck that honks
As the light turns to green
My heart can still soar when I’m in the Bronx
And loud bikes make the scene
To smile through the sound of a harsh alarm
On an old beat-up car
To sleep through the night
With my seventh floor window ajar
I live in New York where it’s often noisy
So I wear these buds and they bring good cheer
New York is distressed by the sound of ruckus
Which I do not hear.
tune of The Sound of Music
(just in fun, though - I kind of like the noise!)
New York is alive with the sound of ruckus
With noise that gets worse through the passing years
New York seems to thrive with the sound of ruckus
That I just block out with plugs in my ears
My heart can still warm to the sound of a truck that honks
As the light turns to green
My heart can still soar when I’m in the Bronx
And loud bikes make the scene
To smile through the sound of a harsh alarm
On an old beat-up car
To sleep through the night
With my seventh floor window ajar
I live in New York where it’s often noisy
So I wear these buds and they bring good cheer
New York is distressed by the sound of ruckus
Which I do not hear.
33
My mornings are infinitely more bearable when Freddie reminds me to look on the bright side. I doubt whether this particular lesson will stick -- NYC and Salzburg?? -- but to begin the day by kvetching, which is what I did, provides no more peace of mind than an egregiously loud siren does. As always, thank you, Freddie.
8
Freddie. AMEN! :)
To the tune: My heart comes alive with the Sounds of New York.....
MIMA
To the tune: My heart comes alive with the Sounds of New York.....
MIMA
1
deBlasio and Cuomo both need to grow up and figure out a way to fix our transit system instead of wasting so much time and energy blaming each other.
Yes, I know the state runs the MTA. But we need our Mayor to step up and show some passion for the task, as opposed to one strategically sweaty photo op... and Cuomo needs to bite the bullet and stop publicly preening and get down to business.
Neither man is a role model for true leadership.
I happily voted for deBlasio and was an early supporter, but he is a disappointment in terms of effectiveness. Not to mention showing up on time or at all. A strong candidate from any party could beat him, if he's managed to lose me..
And Cuomo can't seem to get out from under the weight of his own hubris.
Regardless, NYC residents are suffering for their ineffective leadership.
Yes, I know the state runs the MTA. But we need our Mayor to step up and show some passion for the task, as opposed to one strategically sweaty photo op... and Cuomo needs to bite the bullet and stop publicly preening and get down to business.
Neither man is a role model for true leadership.
I happily voted for deBlasio and was an early supporter, but he is a disappointment in terms of effectiveness. Not to mention showing up on time or at all. A strong candidate from any party could beat him, if he's managed to lose me..
And Cuomo can't seem to get out from under the weight of his own hubris.
Regardless, NYC residents are suffering for their ineffective leadership.
21
@Ellen Agreed on all counts. Please run for Mayor or Governor and fix things. ... What's that you say? You don't want to? I know, neither do I. And that's the whole problem with this City, and every other city, county, and state, as well as Washington: the best people stay out of politics. It's always been an issue. Plato said that those who want least to rule are the most qualified, and vice-versa. My favorite solution? EVERYBODY has to serve in government somehow, somewhere, at some time. You, me, everybody. We all take turns. No more professional politicians. No campaigns. No lobbying. If you are reasonably qualified, you go. All offices, too. And law enforcement: we all take turns policing ourselves. And regulations designed to keep everyone honest. Total transparency. And... And.... And
11
Former resident, now part-time resident: In addition to all sounds mentioned, I would list bus brakes and jack hammers. In summer, if you listen even in relatively quiet place, can hear constant hum of ac equipment in air. Noise main reason I disliked living in city and was happy to leave. Only truly quiet time I experienced in NYC was beginning of heavy snowfall when all sounds muffled.
12
Unfortunately, when you live in a very densely populated city such as NYC, it's hard to get away from such noise. If you want peace and quiet, then that's what the suburbs are for, otherwise quit complaining about it. Those that live in big cities should understand what life is like there rather than just complain about it.
4
I realize that some sounds need to be painful in order to move people out of the way, but those sirens, as Mr. Kanter says, are unbearable. I live on what is generally a very quiet street, but sometimes I race to the window thinking some poor soul on my block is in trouble. Not at all. These are sirens coming from two avenues away. Painful and frightening are these sounds.
10
That's silly. There is normal noise and then there is unnecessary noise. The complaints are about unnecessary noise. And you don't escape that even in the suburbs with the lawn mowers, leaf blowers, four wheelers, Harley motorcycles, etc. It can actually be worse in the suburbs!
It's all unnecessary and infuriating.
It's all unnecessary and infuriating.
16
and there has been "unnecessary noise" in nyc since the 1700's.....if you don't like it, leave. please.