With spring arriving and outdoor activities on the rise, Yonkers residents are speaking out against the city’s radically louder new noise ordinance. The grassroots group Quieter Yonkers (www.quieteryonkers.org) has gathered over 430 signatures on its Change.org petition (https://www.change.org/quieteryonkers), calling on the Yonkers City Council to reverse the secretive November 14, 2023 decision that sharply increased allowable noise levels.
The ordinance passed with a 5-2 vote, without public hearings or expert consultation. It raised daytime noise limits to levels eight times higher than previously allowed and doubled nighttime limits — putting Yonkers at odds with cities nationwide that are working to reduce noise pollution. The measure was sponsored by Council Member Tasha Diaz (District 3), who is currently running for Yonkers City Council President.
Health experts warn that excessive noise damages hearing, disrupts sleep, raises stress levels, and increases the risk of heart disease. Children’s learning and cognitive development are also negatively affected. The impact is felt most in vulnerable communities already burdened by other environmental and health challenges.
Quieter Yonkers is urging the City Council to suspend the ordinance and initiate a transparent, public process with expert input to craft a science-based, community-driven noise policy.
“This ordinance was rushed through with no meaningful public discussion,” said Peter Cohn, founder of Quieter Yonkers. “It’s not just a quality-of-life issue — it’s a public health crisis. Yonkers needs responsible, informed governance.”
Local leaders are joining the call:
United Yonkers, consortium of 14 neighborhood associations:
“The Council’s decision ignores the voices of West Side communities already dealing with disproportionate environmental and public health burdens.”
Park Hill Residents Association:
“Seventy percent of our surveyed residents identified noise as their number one concern. The Council must rethink this ordinance.”
Mike Hertz, River Communities Coalition of Yonkers:
“Having worked with Councilmember Diaz on noise issues, I’m stunned she would support weakening protections. This must be reversed.”
Terry Joshi, Yonkers Committee for Smart Development:
“Downtown development demands stronger — not weaker — noise controls. The current ordinance fails our growing city.”
Cohn concluded, “This ordinance reflects a City Council that did not do its homework. Yonkers residents deserve thoughtful, evidence-based policy making.”
For more information, visit www.quieteryonkers.org or view the petition at https://www.change.org/quieteryonkers.
