PVD Noise Project
@pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social
Addressing the culture of #noise in one of America’s oldest cities. #Noisepollution is a #publichealth and #environmentaljustice issue — and prevention is preferable to punishment. “Noise is the New Smoking.” More information at ProvidenceNoiseProject.org.
Pinned
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/no-more-noise-toronto-1.7038351
t.co
A Quieter World Is Possible: “#Noise is inevitable in a big city; harmful noise levels are not. ‘It's important to distinguish between the types of sounds that populations will [naturally] produce versus the … unnecessary noise that we're willing to deal with and accept’.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
In response to a Newport resident complaining about recurring and unhealthy #leafblower #noise, RI Sen. @SamZurier.bsky.social suggested she work with her neighbors to “enact an even better ordinance” than the embarrassing 7-year farce recently passed by the @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social.
We concur.👏🏼
We concur.👏🏼
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
In response to a Newport resident complaining about recurring and unhealthy #leafblower #noise, RI Sen. @SamZurier.bsky.social suggested she work with her neighbors to “enact an even better ordinance” than the embarrassing 7-year farce recently passed by the @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social.
We concur.👏🏼
We concur.👏🏼
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, @WPRI12.bsky.social reporter @TedNesi.bsky.social recently wrote that “silence is rarely the most effective option for a public official,” so we’re asking AGAIN for the dates & times you met with RINLA about your gas #leafblower ordinance
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, you told the other members of the Environment Committee that you met with members of the RI landscaping lobby “several times”, and incorporated their requests into the #leafblower amendment. On what dates and times did you meet with them?
November 7, 2025 at 7:51 PM
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, @WPRI12.bsky.social reporter @TedNesi.bsky.social recently wrote that “silence is rarely the most effective option for a public official,” so we’re asking AGAIN for the dates & times you met with RINLA about your gas #leafblower ordinance
Our partners at @QuietCommunities.bsky.social have an excellent tribute to Dr. Arline Bronzaft, a pioneering urban #noise researcher / activist who recently passed away, and the namesake for our second Providence sound monitor. May she finally rest in peace. www.quietcommunities.org/quiet-coalit...
November 7, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Our partners at @QuietCommunities.bsky.social have an excellent tribute to Dr. Arline Bronzaft, a pioneering urban #noise researcher / activist who recently passed away, and the namesake for our second Providence sound monitor. May she finally rest in peace. www.quietcommunities.org/quiet-coalit...
We surveyed the candidates in the @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social Ward 2 special election, and are *cautiously* endorsing @Mattmfm.bsky.social McDermott.
We’re wary of candidates who tell residents what they want to hear, and will hold him to his responses. providencenoiseproject.org/2025-ward-2-...
We’re wary of candidates who tell residents what they want to hear, and will hold him to his responses. providencenoiseproject.org/2025-ward-2-...
2025 Ward 2 Special Election – Providence Noise Project
providencenoiseproject.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:31 PM
We surveyed the candidates in the @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social Ward 2 special election, and are *cautiously* endorsing @Mattmfm.bsky.social McDermott.
We’re wary of candidates who tell residents what they want to hear, and will hold him to his responses. providencenoiseproject.org/2025-ward-2-...
We’re wary of candidates who tell residents what they want to hear, and will hold him to his responses. providencenoiseproject.org/2025-ward-2-...
We appreciate the fast response from Ward 2 special-election candidate @Mattmfm.bsky.social McDermott to our #noise issues survey, and look forward to receiving them from @JillD.bsky.social, David Caldwell, @JeffLevy.bsky.social, and (if we can get his contact info) Axel Brito.
Voters want to know!
Voters want to know!
October 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM
We appreciate the fast response from Ward 2 special-election candidate @Mattmfm.bsky.social McDermott to our #noise issues survey, and look forward to receiving them from @JillD.bsky.social, David Caldwell, @JeffLevy.bsky.social, and (if we can get his contact info) Axel Brito.
Voters want to know!
Voters want to know!
Our thanks to @RobESmit.bsky.social and @EcoRInews.bsky.social for a great overview of the excessive #noise PVD residents have been exposed to for decades — and *still* remains a serious #publichealth issue despite years of “We’re acting on it” verbiage from city officials. ecori.org/providence-p...
Providence Project Aims to Reduce 'Loud' City's Noise Pollution - ecoRI News
Excessive noise can affect health, causing high blood pressure and sleep issues.
ecori.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Our thanks to @RobESmit.bsky.social and @EcoRInews.bsky.social for a great overview of the excessive #noise PVD residents have been exposed to for decades — and *still* remains a serious #publichealth issue despite years of “We’re acting on it” verbiage from city officials. ecori.org/providence-p...
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social’s ordinance doesn’t finally end gas #leafblower use until 2033! According to the Quiet Clean Alliance, a network of U.S. groups working to reduce / end gas leafblowers, no other U.S. municipality lets these toxic emissions continue for so long. www.quietcleanalliance.org
www.quietclean
October 15, 2025 at 5:54 PM
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social’s ordinance doesn’t finally end gas #leafblower use until 2033! According to the Quiet Clean Alliance, a network of U.S. groups working to reduce / end gas leafblowers, no other U.S. municipality lets these toxic emissions continue for so long. www.quietcleanalliance.org
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, you told the other members of the Environment Committee that you met with members of the RI landscaping lobby “several times”, and incorporated their requests into the #leafblower amendment. On what dates and times did you meet with them?
October 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, you told the other members of the Environment Committee that you met with members of the RI landscaping lobby “several times”, and incorporated their requests into the #leafblower amendment. On what dates and times did you meet with them?
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, a quick question: Do you have any data on the total number of landscaping workers who actually live *in* Providence (i.e., not those who live outside the city but work in it sometimes), and how much time they actually spend working here?
October 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
@PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social, a quick question: Do you have any data on the total number of landscaping workers who actually live *in* Providence (i.e., not those who live outside the city but work in it sometimes), and how much time they actually spend working here?
“The police don’t seem to pursue loud and revving vehicles, racing vehicles, clusters of motorcycles doing wheelies, and other dangerous driving on residential streets.”
— Providence resident living near intersection of Veazie Street and Douglas Avenue in Wanskuck (Ward 14) @shelpvd14.bsky.social
— Providence resident living near intersection of Veazie Street and Douglas Avenue in Wanskuck (Ward 14) @shelpvd14.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
“The police don’t seem to pursue loud and revving vehicles, racing vehicles, clusters of motorcycles doing wheelies, and other dangerous driving on residential streets.”
— Providence resident living near intersection of Veazie Street and Douglas Avenue in Wanskuck (Ward 14) @shelpvd14.bsky.social
— Providence resident living near intersection of Veazie Street and Douglas Avenue in Wanskuck (Ward 14) @shelpvd14.bsky.social
The @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social Environment Committee meets 9/24 at 5:30pm to discuss the LONG-overdue ordinance regulating gas-fueled #leafblowers. If you can’t attend the meeting on just 2 days notice, ask @Rachel-RI.bsky.social why the Council withholds info. providenceri.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...
2025/09/24 05:30 PM Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency Regular Meeting - Web Outline - City of Providence
providenceri.iqm2.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social Environment Committee meets 9/24 at 5:30pm to discuss the LONG-overdue ordinance regulating gas-fueled #leafblowers. If you can’t attend the meeting on just 2 days notice, ask @Rachel-RI.bsky.social why the Council withholds info. providenceri.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...
Today is annual World #CarFree Day, recognizing the adverse health, environmental, and social effects of personal motor vehicles in our communities. Cars are the single most-prevalent #noise source in Providence, with more than 80% of residents estimated exposed daily. ⚠️ www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
World Car-Free Day on 22 September a great opportunity to reduce air pollution
Every year on or around 22 September, cities across the globe celebrate World Car-Free Day, encouraging motorists to give up their cars for a day. The event highlights the numerous benefits of going c...
www.unep.org
September 22, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Today is annual World #CarFree Day, recognizing the adverse health, environmental, and social effects of personal motor vehicles in our communities. Cars are the single most-prevalent #noise source in Providence, with more than 80% of residents estimated exposed daily. ⚠️ www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
Councilmember @sueanderbois.bsky.social, in March we asked about the status of the #leafblower ordinance amendment. You said you were reading through people’s comments and related resources. Six months later, are there any dates for when residents can see the revised draft and for a hearing on it?⏳
August 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Councilmember @sueanderbois.bsky.social, in March we asked about the status of the #leafblower ordinance amendment. You said you were reading through people’s comments and related resources. Six months later, are there any dates for when residents can see the revised draft and for a hearing on it?⏳
Top Providence neighborhoods by % of residents citing vehicle #noise in Community Noise Survey:
• Smith Hill — 100%
• South PVD — 100%
• Charles — 96%
• College Hill — 93%
• Downtown — 93%
• Elmwood — 93%
• Federal Hill — 93%
• Hope — 93%
• West End — 92%
providencenoiseproject.org/noise-survey...
• Smith Hill — 100%
• South PVD — 100%
• Charles — 96%
• College Hill — 93%
• Downtown — 93%
• Elmwood — 93%
• Federal Hill — 93%
• Hope — 93%
• West End — 92%
providencenoiseproject.org/noise-survey...
Noise Survey Data – Providence Noise Project
providencenoiseproject.org
August 18, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Top Providence neighborhoods by % of residents citing vehicle #noise in Community Noise Survey:
• Smith Hill — 100%
• South PVD — 100%
• Charles — 96%
• College Hill — 93%
• Downtown — 93%
• Elmwood — 93%
• Federal Hill — 93%
• Hope — 93%
• West End — 92%
providencenoiseproject.org/noise-survey...
• Smith Hill — 100%
• South PVD — 100%
• Charles — 96%
• College Hill — 93%
• Downtown — 93%
• Elmwood — 93%
• Federal Hill — 93%
• Hope — 93%
• West End — 92%
providencenoiseproject.org/noise-survey...
“I had to move because the #noise was unbearable and the
police let [people] disrupt the neighborhood with loud music. I hope the noise problem is resolved. There are so many people who can’t move, and have to deal with it.”
— Former Lower South PVD resident providencenoiseproject.org/testimonials/
police let [people] disrupt the neighborhood with loud music. I hope the noise problem is resolved. There are so many people who can’t move, and have to deal with it.”
— Former Lower South PVD resident providencenoiseproject.org/testimonials/
Testimonials – Providence Noise Project
“Very encouraging to see such a credible effort to challenge such an overlooked peril.” — Fox Point resident
providencenoiseproject.org
July 29, 2025 at 7:11 PM
“I had to move because the #noise was unbearable and the
police let [people] disrupt the neighborhood with loud music. I hope the noise problem is resolved. There are so many people who can’t move, and have to deal with it.”
— Former Lower South PVD resident providencenoiseproject.org/testimonials/
police let [people] disrupt the neighborhood with loud music. I hope the noise problem is resolved. There are so many people who can’t move, and have to deal with it.”
— Former Lower South PVD resident providencenoiseproject.org/testimonials/
“#Noise is often connected to environmental ills not as obviously as smoky fireworks. Many things that cause loud, obnoxious noise also cause harmful #airpollution: planes, trucks, lawnmowers, #leafblowers, construction, demolition. A world built on #fossilfuels is noisy.“ grist.org/looking-forw...
A world built on fossil fuels is loud. Here's how advocates are defending peace and quiet.
“It's really unbelievable, how much noise impacts so many people."
grist.org
June 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM
“#Noise is often connected to environmental ills not as obviously as smoky fireworks. Many things that cause loud, obnoxious noise also cause harmful #airpollution: planes, trucks, lawnmowers, #leafblowers, construction, demolition. A world built on #fossilfuels is noisy.“ grist.org/looking-forw...
“110+ MILLION people across Europe suffer high levels of health-damaging #noisepollution, a new report finds. The resulting physiological stress and sleep-disruption leads to 66,000 early deaths a year, and many cases of #heartdisease, #diabetes, and #depression.” www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Noise pollution harms health of millions across Europe, report finds
About 110 million people suffer stress and sleep disturbance that lead to tens of thousands of early deaths
www.theguardian.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:42 AM
“110+ MILLION people across Europe suffer high levels of health-damaging #noisepollution, a new report finds. The resulting physiological stress and sleep-disruption leads to 66,000 early deaths a year, and many cases of #heartdisease, #diabetes, and #depression.” www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“We are considering moving away from Providence because Providence is so exceedingly loud. Thank [the #Noise Project] for doing what you can to help!”
— Hope / Summit resident on Colonial Road, June 2025
#acousticcleansing FYI: @sueanderbois.bsky.social providencenoiseproject.org/testimonial/...
— Hope / Summit resident on Colonial Road, June 2025
#acousticcleansing FYI: @sueanderbois.bsky.social providencenoiseproject.org/testimonial/...
Providence Noise Project
providencenoiseproject.org
June 17, 2025 at 6:38 PM
“We are considering moving away from Providence because Providence is so exceedingly loud. Thank [the #Noise Project] for doing what you can to help!”
— Hope / Summit resident on Colonial Road, June 2025
#acousticcleansing FYI: @sueanderbois.bsky.social providencenoiseproject.org/testimonial/...
— Hope / Summit resident on Colonial Road, June 2025
#acousticcleansing FYI: @sueanderbois.bsky.social providencenoiseproject.org/testimonial/...
In today’s #noise -saturated world, quiet is often considered an emptiness to be filled. While researching her book, Sarah Anderson was surprised to find that many people regard quiet negatively. “They find it boring, uncomfortable, or even confronting,” she said. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Quiet, please! The remarkable power of silence – for our bodies and our minds
Our increasingly noisy world has been linked to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, as well as hearing loss. But that’s not the only reason we need more peace and quiet in our lives
www.theguardian.com
May 19, 2025 at 6:12 AM
In today’s #noise -saturated world, quiet is often considered an emptiness to be filled. While researching her book, Sarah Anderson was surprised to find that many people regard quiet negatively. “They find it boring, uncomfortable, or even confronting,” she said. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Appreciate the recognition of the premier #noise awareness / reduction organization in the U.S. — and our neighbors in Massachusetts.
We need to create partner organizations in every state to help protect and improve the #publichealth of everyone in America’s loud cities. providencenoiseproject.org
We need to create partner organizations in every state to help protect and improve the #publichealth of everyone in America’s loud cities. providencenoiseproject.org
March 12, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Appreciate the recognition of the premier #noise awareness / reduction organization in the U.S. — and our neighbors in Massachusetts.
We need to create partner organizations in every state to help protect and improve the #publichealth of everyone in America’s loud cities. providencenoiseproject.org
We need to create partner organizations in every state to help protect and improve the #publichealth of everyone in America’s loud cities. providencenoiseproject.org
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
🚗🔊 #PartnerSpotlight
Meet the Providence Noise Project: a resident-driven force for quieter, healthier communities! This all-volunteer group is tackling #NoisePollution across their city.
🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/OXW550Vg9lg
🌐 Join our community: ow.ly/UgXt50Vg9lh
#QuietCommunities
Meet the Providence Noise Project: a resident-driven force for quieter, healthier communities! This all-volunteer group is tackling #NoisePollution across their city.
🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/OXW550Vg9lg
🌐 Join our community: ow.ly/UgXt50Vg9lh
#QuietCommunities
Providence Noise Project – “Noise is the New Smoking”
ow.ly
March 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM
🚗🔊 #PartnerSpotlight
Meet the Providence Noise Project: a resident-driven force for quieter, healthier communities! This all-volunteer group is tackling #NoisePollution across their city.
🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/OXW550Vg9lg
🌐 Join our community: ow.ly/UgXt50Vg9lh
#QuietCommunities
Meet the Providence Noise Project: a resident-driven force for quieter, healthier communities! This all-volunteer group is tackling #NoisePollution across their city.
🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/OXW550Vg9lg
🌐 Join our community: ow.ly/UgXt50Vg9lh
#QuietCommunities
@sueanderbois.bsky.social Councilmember, what’s the status of the #leafblower ordinance following the Feb. 5 Environment Committee hearing? Was it tabled or held for further study? And what’s the next action on it or significant date — is it scheduled for a forthcoming committee meeting? Thanks, PNP
March 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
@sueanderbois.bsky.social Councilmember, what’s the status of the #leafblower ordinance following the Feb. 5 Environment Committee hearing? Was it tabled or held for further study? And what’s the next action on it or significant date — is it scheduled for a forthcoming committee meeting? Thanks, PNP
Some Progressives Understand #Noise: “Like #greenhousegas pollution, #noisepollution is degrading our world — and it’s not just affecting our bodily and mental health, but also the health of ecosystems on which we depend.” #soundscape @ecorinews.bsky.social @sueanderbois.bsky.social t.co/pfj2DZcbNa
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/noise-pollution-mental-health/
t.co
December 13, 2024 at 9:39 PM
Some Progressives Understand #Noise: “Like #greenhousegas pollution, #noisepollution is degrading our world — and it’s not just affecting our bodily and mental health, but also the health of ecosystems on which we depend.” #soundscape @ecorinews.bsky.social @sueanderbois.bsky.social t.co/pfj2DZcbNa
A Quieter World Is Possible: “#Noise is inevitable in a big city; harmful noise levels are not. ‘It's important to distinguish between the types of sounds that populations will [naturally] produce versus the … unnecessary noise that we're willing to deal with and accept’.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/no-more-noise-toronto-1.7038351
t.co
December 4, 2024 at 9:21 PM
A Quieter World Is Possible: “#Noise is inevitable in a big city; harmful noise levels are not. ‘It's important to distinguish between the types of sounds that populations will [naturally] produce versus the … unnecessary noise that we're willing to deal with and accept’.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
“A single unmuffled scooter crossing Paris at night can wake as many as 10,000 people.”
We seriously underestimate the impact of vehicle noise on urban livability and health. Cities aren’t noisy, engines are.
How #Paris Is Waging a War on Noise Pollution.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
We seriously underestimate the impact of vehicle noise on urban livability and health. Cities aren’t noisy, engines are.
How #Paris Is Waging a War on Noise Pollution.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Europe’s Noise Capital Tries to Turn Down the Volume
To combat the ill effects of urban noise pollution, Paris is deploying automated sensors and cracking down on the loudest vehicles.
www.bloomberg.com
November 29, 2024 at 11:27 PM
“A single unmuffled scooter crossing Paris at night can wake as many as 10,000 people.”
We seriously underestimate the impact of vehicle noise on urban livability and health. Cities aren’t noisy, engines are.
How #Paris Is Waging a War on Noise Pollution.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
We seriously underestimate the impact of vehicle noise on urban livability and health. Cities aren’t noisy, engines are.
How #Paris Is Waging a War on Noise Pollution.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...