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. Diaz has faced prior controversy, including her removal as Council Majority Leader in early 2024 amid allegations of making threats against another council member.
Noise is Bad for Health
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.”
Cohn concluded, “This ordinance reflects a City Council that did not do its homework. Yonkers residents deserve thoughtful, evidence-based policy making.”
Local leaders are joining the call
Across Yonkers, civic leaders and advocates are saying no to the 85 decibel limit.
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.”
Anonymous Community Board Member:
“Permitting 85 dB — a level requiring hearing protection in workplaces — in residential areas is reckless. This law is not fit for Yonkers.”
What can You Do?
Contact your City Council Member to Ask them to Repeal
Click here to find your Council Member by your address.
City Council President: Citywide. Lakisha Collins Bellamy 914-377-6060 or [email protected]
City Council District 1: Deana Robinson 914-377-6311 or [email protected]
City Council District 2: Corazon Pineda-Isaac 914-377-6312 or [email protected]
City Council District 3: Tasha Diaz 914-377-6313 or [email protected]
City Council District 4: John Rubbo 914-377-6314 or [email protected]
City Council District 5: Mike Breen 914-377-6315 or [email protected]
City Council District 6: Anthony Merante 914-377-6316 or [email protected]
