Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP / Getty Images
New York City has launched a new app called "NYC Noise," designed to help residents report and monitor noise levels in their neighborhoods. Announced by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the app is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices. It allows users to record decibel levels, classify noise types, and document the time, date, and location of disturbances with a simple five-second reading. This information is then visualized in map and table formats, showing average and maximum decibel levels, along with user notes on noise types like construction, traffic, or music.
The app aims to address noise, which is the top source of 311 complaints citywide. According to DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, "Noise is one of the most common quality-of-life issues New Yorkers face, and this new tool will help us better understand when and where those disturbances occur." The data collected will not be used for specific enforcement actions, but will help DEP identify noise hotspots and guide targeted enforcement efforts.
The NYC Noise app is expected to be popular among residents, providing a user-friendly way to participate in creating a quieter city. The app's data-driven approach will assist DEP in deploying inspectors more efficiently and focusing enforcement efforts where needed. As more users contribute data, DEP plans to compile the information into a citywide noise map, identifying trends by time of day, day of the week, season, and the types of noise most common in certain neighborhoods.
Photo Credit: Getty Images