NYC Mayor signs legislation to help limit construction noise
Mayor Bill de Blasio this week signed legislation into law, authored by Council Member Ben Kallos in collaboration with DEP, aimed at reducing overnight and weekend construction noise and making New York City more livable. Intro. 1653-B allows inspectors to take noise readings from the roadway or sidewalk, rather than requiring that the reading be taken from inside of a complainant’s apartment, empowers inspectors to shut down equipment that is too loud, and calls for new rules for responding when the noise is most likely to happen again. In addition, construction companies will be required to electronically file noise mitigation plans, which will make it easier for inspectors and the public to review online.
“Noise pollution has gotten out of control when your alarm clock has been replaced by a jackhammer. But the incessant din of construction doesn’t have to be the reality of living in a big city. We can do something about it,” said de Blasio. “This legislation is giving city inspectors the tools they need to damp down the racket, protecting New Yorkers’ health and offering some peace and quiet in the city that never sleeps.”