June 1, 2005
Noise Free America
For immediate release
Contact:
Cliff Crowley
603-622-8686
[email protected]
Ted Rueter
877-NOISE-NO
[email protected]
Madison: Manchester, New Hampshire has won this month’s “Noisy Dozen” award from Noise Free America for tolerating a barrage of noise from boom cars, motorcycles, barking dogs, and diesel trucks. For those who love peace and quiet, Manchester is a lousy place to live.
Last August, the Manchester Union-Leader published several articles about the city’s noise problem. The newspaper received nearly 350 responses, with the vast majority saying they were fed up and the police should strictly enforce the law.
Cliff Crowley, a Manchester resident, has been fighting the noise bullies for years. He took the city to court to compel them to enforce the municipal noise ordinance. He has received strong support from local residents fed up with the constant drumbeat of noise.
“I e-mail the police chief and the mayor almost every day,” said Crowley. “If they were doing their job, we wouldn’t have a city full of thunderous, disruptive noise. We need a new mayor. Mayor Baines twice promised to take action on boom cars and motorcycles–and he’s done nothing. Manchester needs change!”
Crowley also expressed frustration with the enforcement efforts of the Manchester police. “No more warnings!” he said. “Police should be ticketing noisy offenders–at least $100 for the first offense and $250 for the second offense. We need a police chief who will address the problems in the neighborhoods and enforce the laws. We shouldn’t have thugs driving down our streets day and night inflicting pain and suffering. You can’t go down any street in this city without your car rattling. These young morons use their vehicles as weapons. Without strong action, things will only get worse.”
Ted Rueter, Noise Free America’s director, commented that noise is a serious threat to Manchester’s quality of life. “Who wants to live in a place that’s always noisy?” said Rueter. “Who wants to be pounded by cars with booming bass and motorcycles without mufflers? Who wants to live amidst turmoil?”
Rueter also noted that noise is a serious health threat. “Noise is related to headaches, stress, fatigue, and insomnia. Noise contributes to high blood pressure and heart problems. Noise makes people more aggressive. Noise worsens immune system deficiencies. Noise is a killer.”
Noise Free America is a national citizens group opposed to noise pollution. Its web site is http://noisefree.org. Past “winners” of the “Noisy Dozen” award include Flowmaster. Circuit City, Congressman Darrell Issa, and Youngstown, Ohio.