Sign in

PVD Noise Project

@pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social
63 followers 91 following 176 posts

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.

PostsRepliesMedia
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
All too often, people who know (or should know) better still refer to excessive sound levels as a quality-of-life issue, when it’s far more than that — a #publichealth, socio-environmental, and #environmentaljustice issue — that adversely affects all of us. providencenoiseproject.org/why-noise-is...
providencenoiseproject.org
Why noise is more than just a “quality of life” issue – Providence Noise Project
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
@samghoward.riliberator.com bravely blocked us after we responded to his post about our 2026 primary endorsements. He didn’t say 1) we only endorse candidates, including David Morales, who answer our survey, and 2) multiple candidates who didn’t noted #noise complaints from residents in their wards.
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
@SueAnderbois.bsky.social, the only response we got was citing purported veto threat for the glacial #leafblower-sunset timeline — we never heard why you didn’t tell your constituents / all PVD residents about the alleged threat at the time for #transparency and #accountability. Q: Did we miss that?
010
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We surveyed ballot-qualified candidates in the 2026 RI primary election, analyzed their responses, and endorsed two: RI House candidates Michael Garman (D–1) and Arlette Hidalgo (D–12) — and recommended NOT voting for Sue AnderBois for lieutenant governor. providencenoiseproject.org/2026-ri-prim...
providencenoiseproject.org
2026 RI Primary Election Endorsements – Providence Noise Project
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The Noise Project surveyed candidates for the 2026 @PVDCityCouncil primary election, and based on their answers, endorsed five of them: Jason Kashdan (Ward 3), Joe Casoli (Ward 4), Jenny Mercado (Ward 6), Robert Ricci (Ward 12), and Connor Blier (Ward 13). providencenoiseproject.org/city-council...
providencenoiseproject.org
2026 City Council endorsements – Providence Noise Project
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The Noise Project endorses RI state Rep. David Morales in the 2026 Democratic mayoral primary election, based on his responses to our candidate survey — including support for civilian enforcement of #noise regulations (similar to parking control officers). providencenoiseproject.org/2026-mayoral...
providencenoiseproject.org
2026 Noise Project Mayoral Endorsement – Providence Noise Project
131
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Boston is considering #noise cameras to curtail excessively loud vehicles. The City Council approved Councilmember Brian Worrell’s proposal to study the idea, who said residents have demanded action on loud cars for years, most recently due to street takeovers. 🔊 www.boston25news.com/news/local/b...
boston25news.com
Boston’s considering noise cameras: Look inside the tech already monitoring loud cars in Newport, RI
The cameras capture the license plates of vehicles that exceed a certain decibel level, and the driver then receives a fine in the mail.
001
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
A new study associates long-term exposure to traffic #noise with a higher risk of #Parkinsons disease — an incurable brain disorder that gradually worsens over time, affecting the person’s movement and balance — largely due to stress responses and disrupted sleep. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Risk of Parkinson’s disease may increase with prolonged exposure to road traffic noise
Pioneering study linking noise pollution to Parkinson’s finds 3% increase in risk for every 11.5dB rise in noise levels
001
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
In a landmark July 2026 ruling, a federal judge found that the Environmental Protection Agency has unlawfully ignored its legal obligation to regulate excessive #noise in the U.S. under the 1972 Noise Control Act for over 45 years! Remedies to follow. 😳 👏🏼 🙉 providencenoiseproject.org/federal-judg...
providencenoiseproject.org
Federal Judge: EPA Can’t Ignore Noise Pollution – Providence Noise Project
010
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A new study associates long-term exposure to traffic #noise with a higher risk of #Parkinsons disease — an incurable brain disorder that gradually worsens over time, affecting the person’s movement and balance — largely due to stress responses and disrupted sleep. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Risk of Parkinson’s disease may increase with prolonged exposure to road traffic noise
Pioneering study linking noise pollution to Parkinson’s finds 3% increase in risk for every 11.5dB rise in noise levels
110
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
@jamellebouie.net The same #antisocial pathology is manifested in the “performative masculinity” of unhealthy, unnecessary, and transgressive sound levels — primarily modified mufflers and over-amplified audio systems in vehicles, residential neighborhoods, and (in Providence, RI) even public parks.
010
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Andrew Levesque @andrewlevesque.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a... Residents living near Microsoft’s Fairwater data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, are suing the company over the facility's alleged noise pollution….
independent.co.uk
Wisconsin residents sue Microsoft over noise caused by new data center
Residents have also complained the area has become a ‘dust bowl’ due to construction
531883477
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Quiet Clean RI has finally echoed our criticism of the @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social 2025 #leafblower ordinance as *far* too slow to take effect. They blame #PVDMayor Smiley for “forcing a last-minute revision” that delayed action, but offer no evidence. Tell us more, QCRI / @SueAnderbois.bsky.social.
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
“All night long there’s constant loud #noise from motorcycles and cars. They’re so loud that the glass shakes in our home. We keep our storm windows down all year for the past 8–10 years. My husband developed a heart condition that could be due to this.” — Fox Point resident (Ward 1), Providence, RI
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Coinciding with International Noise Awareness Day 2026, our partners at @QuietCommunities.bsky.social in neighboring Massachusetts have announced a national Pickleball #Noise Taskforce — including a beta version of a website to help municipalities make informed decisions on #pickleball court siting.
quietcommunities.org
QC Convenes Pickleball Noise Task Force — Quiet Communities
The National Task Force on Pickleball Noise, organized by Quiet Communities, has released a beta version of a fact-based website to help community leaders make informed decisions about siting pickleba...
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
We’ve now been contacted 3x by an anonymous PVD resident on Bucklin Street regarding excessive #noise from one or more commercial entertainment venues nearby. If you know who they might be, please ask them to use our contact form to at least tell us the name and/or address of the establishment(s).📍
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
It’s national Public Health Week, and just like smoking, noise is a #publichealth issue. Visit our “Noise and Public Health” page to learn about the adverse effects of #noise on health, from #sleepdeprivation and #hypertension to #cardiacdisease and more. 👩🏻‍⚕️ providencenoiseproject.org/noise-and-pu...
providencenoiseproject.org
Noise and Public Health – Providence Noise Project
000
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Herzschlag @herzschlag99.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Environmental factors such as air, noise, and light pollution are emerging as serious health risks, similar to smoking. These stressors can lead to thromboembolic complications, so we need to pay attention to the exposome in public health research. It's important to take these issues seriously...
241
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Today’s World Hearing Day, an annual global event to raise public, government and media awareness about protecting our hearing — including / especially from excessive #noise — in order to prevent not only #hearingloss, but all adverse health effect of noise for which it’s a proxy worldhearingday.org
worldhearingday.org
World Hearing Day 2026 - World Hearing Day
World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care, and calling for action to address hearing loss and related issues....
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
We’ve added three new entries — all beginning with “w” — to the Noise Terminology page in our website: • Warm-weather dread • The ‘Who vs What’ deflection • Two definitions of “woke” Send us any terms (with definitions) you think should be included there. providencenoiseproject.org/noise-termin...
providencenoiseproject.org
Noise Terminology – Providence Noise Project
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
URGENT! Tues., Feb. 3: RI House of Reps hearing testimony on bill to prohibit RI cities and towns from regulating gas-fueled #leafblowers — just like Georgia and Texas! Send testimony with your full name and subject line OPPOSE H7150 by 2:00PM to HouseMunicipalGovernmentandHousing@rilegislature.gov.
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Portland, OR, began a phased ban on gas #leafblowers Jan 1. The city council approved the ban in March 2024 and ends their use in TWO years — not SIX like @PVDCityCouncil.bsky.social member @SueAnderBois.bsky.social’s #slowwalk ordinance. Maybe because no PDX council members are running for Lt. Gov?
oregonlive.com
Portland’s gas-powered leaf blower ban goes into effect
For the first two years, gas leaf blowers will be prohibited for nine months out of the year, with the year-round ban starting in January 2028.
110
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Yllek @yllekaj.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Switching the fireworks for something else is way overdue. Every year we hear about fruitbats, animals at the zoo who have to be sedated all night & pets, cowering in fear & countless other, silent victims in the fallout of that noise pollution. Just switch them off all together. F*ck the "demands"
2164
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
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.👏🏼
110
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
@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
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
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...
Photo of early 1980s NY Times article on research showing public school students academic achievement is adversely affected by excessive noise from outside.
020
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
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-...
providencenoiseproject.org
2025 Ward 2 Special Election – Providence Noise Project
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
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!
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
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...
ecori.org
Providence Project Aims to Reduce 'Loud' City's Noise Pollution - ecoRI News
Excessive noise can affect health, causing high blood pressure and sleep issues.
201
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
@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
quietclean
210
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
@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?
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
@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?
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
“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
020
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
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...
providenceri.iqm2.com
2025/09/24 05:30 PM Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency Regular Meeting - Web Outline - City of Providence
010
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
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...
unep.org
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...
011
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
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?⏳
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
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...
providencenoiseproject.org
Noise Survey Data – Providence Noise Project
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
“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/
providencenoiseproject.org
Testimonials – Providence Noise Project
“Very encouraging to see such a credible effort to challenge such an overlooked peril.” — Fox Point resident
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
“#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...
grist.org
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."
121
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
“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/...
theguardian.com
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
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
“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/...
providencenoiseproject.org
Providence Noise Project
000
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
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...
theguardian.com
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
110
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
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
providencenoiseproject.org
Providence Noise Project – “Noise is the New Smoking”
021
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Quiet Communities, Inc. @quietcommunities.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
🚗🔊 #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
ow.ly
Providence Noise Project – “Noise is the New Smoking”
111
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
@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
100
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
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
t.co
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/noise-pollution-mental-health/
021
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
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/...
t.co
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/no-more-noise-toronto-1.7038351
021
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
“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...
bloomberg.com
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.
26818167
PVD Noise Project @pvdnoiseproject.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
An RI firm is using underwater acoustic sensors to prevent the negative impacts of #noise from maritime vessels on marine animals — but no one is measuring excessive noise levels in Providence, or addressing its adverse effects on people! @nuestrasalud.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/28/m...
bostonglobe.com
New Rhode Island startup uses tech to track underwater threats and noise - The Boston Globe
Rhode Island-based Crewless Marine provides acoustic devices for uncrewed surface vehicles and undersea vehicles.
011
Reposted by PVD Noise Project
Nate is waking up @nf1nk.bsky.social · 13/01/2024
The neighborhood gardener just got a battery operated backpack leaf blower and it is quieter than my Shop-Vac. This pleases me. Noise pollution is real pollution.
032