To the Honorable Councilmember Giess:

Please let me briefly introduce myself.  My name is James J. Kaufmann, and I
have founded a group called Rochester Soundscape Society, which is dedicated
to
reducing noise pollution in Monroe County.  Carol Gisella Gordon told me that
you have proven yourself as a friend to the cause of noise reduction.  I
imagine
you are familiar with the many detrimental effects of noise, such as the
impairment of the cognitive development of children, hearing loss, the
impediment of communication, and a tendency to increase aggressive behavior
and
decrease helping behavior.

I am writing to address one urgent reason to restore the soundscape on one
street.  That reason is Jo Ann DiSano on 12 Immel St.  Joanne, 59, is a
patient
recovering from cancer and heart failure.  She has recently had chemotherapy,
radiation treatment, a masectomy, and an artery operation.  Her doctor, ,has
prescribed rest.  But she cannot get the rest she needs, because her home is
being invaded by low frequency noise from mobile and stationary sound systems.
Joanne's husband called me saying he has tried everything.  He has tried
working
with the police.  He has tried confronting boom car drivers himself.

We need to make Immel Street quiet for Jo Ann DiSano.  Let us make this the
first street in Rochester to be free of illegal noise since the proliferation
of
the Boom Car.  Let us create the first ever zone in Rochester where
enforcement
of code 75-12 was ever consistent enough to deter boomers.  Let us give the
City
of Rochester hope, by proving that at least somewhere in the city, even if
only
on one short street, the theft of precious and valuable quiet can be
squelched.

Jo Ann DiSano deserves her best chance for a long, full, life.  She deserves
the
rest her doctor prescribed.  And if she is living out her last days, she
doesn't
want invasive low-frequency boom to be the last thing she hears.   She has the
right to choose not to have that as her auditory experience in her own home.

The enforcement of code 75-12 could be matter of life and death for Jo Ann.
There is no more time for delay.  It is time to demand that the police enforce
our community's law strictly and consistently on the streets that access Immel
Street, so that the noise can be stopped before it gets into Jo Ann's house.

Jo Ann needs us to make Immel Street a success story for noise enforcement.
If we fail Jo Ann, we prove to the boom car industry and its consumer group
that
nothing can stop them from displaying their truly criminal behavior at the
community's expense.  If we succeed, we could be a positive inspiration for
Rochester, Monroe County...indeed for the entire quiet starved world.

James J. Kaufmann
Rochester Soundscape Society
--------------------------

Friends,

A noise-oppressed victim needs our help.  Her name is Joanne Disano.  She is
recovering from cancer treatment (radiation and chemo) and surgery (masectomy
and heart/artery.) Her doctor, John McCabe, says rest is extremely important,
but she gets constant irritation from the invasive bass frequencies of mobile
and stationary sound systems.

I would like to make her neighborhood Rochester's first success story for
elimination of illegal noise.  I think we all need to go down there, meet
them, thoroughly document the problem, spread the word, lobby our officials
for adequate and effective enforcement of our noise ordinances, educate the
neighbors, and launch an all-out "Rest for Joanne" campaign.

She lives with her husband on 12 Immel Ave., near Jay and Ames St. and her
number is 328-9817.  I think she should be hearing words of support and
encouragement from us.  Just as importantly, our city council, Mayor, Chief of
Police should be hearing from us.  If peace, quiet, and rest can help her
survive, and live a longer, fuller life, I want her to have that.  If she is
living out the last days of her life, what do we want the last thing she hears
to be?  What would SHE want the last thing she hears to be?  She doesn't
consider the low frequency sounds that invade her home to be "music."  Like
all of us, she should have the freedom to choose, as long it doesn't infringe
on others' right to quiet.

The pollution of our soundscape is an international issue.  It's huge and
complex.  There are millions of stories like Joanne's all around the world.
But stories like Joanne's are what our work is all about.  And though we must
look at the big picture, and attack the problem on broader levels, the
magnitude of the problem and all the great ideas for its solution can be
daunting.  Joanne's individual situation is important, urgent, and a chance
for success.  If we can succeed here, and help Joanne, we can succeed
elsewhere in Rochester, and Monroe County.  Perhaps this one success could be
the beginning of a series of succeses, big and small, that inspire the nation
and the world to success.

I propose we all begin by writing letters to our city officials.  And please
share your letters to the group on this site.  It gives us all a chance to
encourage and learn from each other.

Thanks JJ. It worked this time around.
Harold
----- Original Message -----
From: "jkaufman" <jkaufman@...>
To: "rochestersoundscapesociety"
<rochestersoundscapesociety@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 11:53 AM
Subject: [rochestersoundscapesociety] Article in Rochester, NY paper: This
link should work.


Folks:

Harold brought it to my attention that the previous link to the D&C article
didn't work

Try this one, please:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/forprint/0919story8_news.shtml

And here's the text, for those who can't get their computer to link up.

James J.-------------------


Anti-noise group sounds off against city

Rick Armon
Democrat and Chronicle

(September 19, 2002) - All you Rochester residents, quiet down! You're being
too
noisy.

Noise Free America has awarded Rochester the group's "Noisy Dozen" award for
September, citing city officials' "dismal failure" to address the problem of
loud car stereos.

"Rochester has a significant noise problem," said Ted Rueter, founder of
Noise
Free America and a political science professor at Tulane University in New
Orleans. "There are lots of people in Rochester complaining and we tried to
spotlight the fact that boom cars are out of control in Rochester."

Other cities that have received the award include West Hollywood, Calif.,
Norman, Okla., Lincoln, Neb., and Richmond, Va. Cleveland will receive next
month's award, Rueter said.

James Kaufmann, 35, founder of the newly formed Rochester Soundscape
Society,
nominated the city for the award. Kaufmann is a pianist who lives in the
19th
Ward and works at the State University College at Brockport.

"The interesting thing about Rochester is that it would appear that we are
trying to do something about (noise pollution), but if you actually listen,
it
doesn't sound like it," Kaufmann said.

Last year, city police announced they would ticket drivers and tow vehicles,
even for a first offense, if car stereos were too loud.

Kaufmann said there has been a lack of enforcement. He admitted that murders
and
other violent crime take priority, but added that "we have to look at noise
as
another crime."

Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said city officials are trying to address the
problem.

"This is a very difficult problem to enforce," he said. "This problem has
not
risen to the level of burglary, murders, drug enforcement," he added.

Johnson also said the problem isn't any worse in Rochester than any other
big
city.

The Rochester Soundscape Society meets every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. at
Berean
Cafe, 2203 Clifford Ave.

The next meeting is Oct. 1.

"The goal of the group is to try to improve the soundscape in Rochester by
reducing noise where possible," he said.

"Having access to quiet is one of (life's) most important things."

For more details about the Rochester Soundscape Society, call Kaufmann at
(585)
467-6273.

E-mail address: rarmon@...

For more details about Noise Free America, go to: http://www.noisefree.org

----------------------







James J.---



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
rochestersoundscapesociety-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Folks:

Harold brought it to my attention that the previous link to the D&C article
didn't work

Try this one, please:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/forprint/0919story8_news.shtml

And here's the text, for those who can't get their computer to link up.

James J.-------------------


Anti-noise group sounds off against city

Rick Armon
Democrat and Chronicle

(September 19, 2002) — All you Rochester residents, quiet down! You're being
too
noisy.

Noise Free America has awarded Rochester the group's "Noisy Dozen" award for
September, citing city officials' "dismal failure" to address the problem of
loud car stereos.

"Rochester has a significant noise problem," said Ted Rueter, founder of Noise
Free America and a political science professor at Tulane University in New
Orleans. "There are lots of people in Rochester complaining and we tried to
spotlight the fact that boom cars are out of control in Rochester."

Other cities that have received the award include West Hollywood, Calif.,
Norman, Okla., Lincoln, Neb., and Richmond, Va. Cleveland will receive next
month's award, Rueter said.

James Kaufmann, 35, founder of the newly formed Rochester Soundscape Society,
nominated the city for the award. Kaufmann is a pianist who lives in the 19th
Ward and works at the State University College at Brockport.

"The interesting thing about Rochester is that it would appear that we are
trying to do something about (noise pollution), but if you actually listen, it
doesn't sound like it," Kaufmann said.

Last year, city police announced they would ticket drivers and tow vehicles,
even for a first offense, if car stereos were too loud.

Kaufmann said there has been a lack of enforcement. He admitted that murders
and
other violent crime take priority, but added that "we have to look at noise as
another crime."

Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said city officials are trying to address the
problem.

"This is a very difficult problem to enforce," he said. "This problem has not
risen to the level of burglary, murders, drug enforcement," he added.

Johnson also said the problem isn't any worse in Rochester than any other big
city.

The Rochester Soundscape Society meets every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Berean
Cafe, 2203 Clifford Ave.

The next meeting is Oct. 1.

"The goal of the group is to try to improve the soundscape in Rochester by
reducing noise where possible," he said.

"Having access to quiet is one of (life's) most important things."

For more details about the Rochester Soundscape Society, call Kaufmann at
(585)
467-6273.

E-mail address: rarmon@...

For more details about Noise Free America, go to: http://www.noisefree.org

----------------------







James J.---

TO ALL WHO ATTENDED SEPT. 17 MEETING:

Can anyone help me respond to Max's request for minutes, before our memories
start to fade?

Attendees:

Courtney Richards
Nick Reda
James J. Kaufmann
Dave Boyer
Officer Wale
Officer Paul
Judith L. Van Ness
Dave (the quiet guy)
Sue Stephens
Eloise Stephens

Am I missing anybody?

Items discussed:
Listing on the NFA page
Joining the Yahoo group
Police report: 154 noise citations were issued in July and August (combined)of
  2002.  Year to date noise citations:  429.  No breakdown for mobile vs.
stationary.
Discussion of new legislation to support ONAC.  Members encouraged to write
and send letters to federal officials.
School acoustic responsibility program explored.  Boyer suggested that it
could fit in with categories already in place:  Technology, Social Studies.
Survey of members taken on most disturbing types of noise.
Boom car documentation:  Boyer said that the NET officials considered
documentation of license plates of offenders by lay citizens to be worthless.
S. Stephens said she was unable to talk to her neighbors because of fear.
Kaufmann said police are doing a noble thing for the community when they
ticket noise violators.

WHAT ELSE, FRIENDS?

Please look at your notes and help me try to remember, so we can post some
semblance of minutes.

Thanks.

James J.

Dear friends:

Here is an article that just appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

I think it makes light of the issue a bit with the opening sentence.  I have
received many calls from supporters in response.  One said "Who cares if Mayor
Johnson says Rochester isn't worse than other cities!"  I reminded her that
sometimes quotes get taken out of context, and that we shouldn't be too quick
to
judge the mayor.  Overall, I thought the article was a little superficial, and
not extremely fair to the importance of the soundscape, but it certainly could
have been worse!  It has been a good help in mobilizing concerned residents.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/forprint/0919story8_news.

I would also like to invite you all to stop by our new Rochester Soundscape
Society group site, and participate, whether you are a local or not.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rochestersoundscapesociety/

James J. Kaufman

Friends,

The article in today's paper published Oct. 1 as our meeting date, so I think
we
should just go with that.  (My wife actually suggested it.)  Also, I think we
should explore alternate times and places for future meetings.  I love the
Berean Cafe, but because they must serve customers as well as host the
meeting,
things can get a little less focused than I think is ideal for us.

James J.---------

>===== Original Message From Bippy55@... =====

Here is a "lower the music" success story that just happened today on
Sycamore street.

I spoke to the neighbor on the other side of the "rock band" rental house
that I have been complaining about.   The other neighbor's name is Dorothy.
She is in her 70s.   I asked her, "Now, Dorothy, if they bother you or loud
music bothers you, you can call 911 or the Net Office."   "She said, "Okay,
don't worry."

She is having a fence installed by two workers.   They were playing their
truck stereo loudly while they are working on the fence posts.
Dorothy called me up.   "David, I've been thinking about what we talked about
yesterday.   Let me ask you: Is their music bothering YOU?"
                 (You could have knocked me over with a feather.)
"Oh DOROTHY, you are wonderful to call me about that!   I can hear it from
here.   Why not ask them to just turn it down a little?"
"Okay, I'll do that."

Within 2 minutes the truck stereo was turned off by the workers themselves.

The neighbor remembered a very incidental conversation that was focused on
another property and situation.

So just when you think the task of lowering neighborhood loud music is almost
impossible, this kind of thing happens.

Life is amazing!
Dave Boyer

Hi,

I couldn't attend last night's meeting.  Could someone please post
the minutes of the meeting here.

Thanks,

Max Lent

Friends:

Oct. 1 is my wife's birthday.  I would like to schedule our next meeting for
Wed. Oct. 2.  What do you think?  How would it work for you all?

James J.-----------------

Thanks, Max, for this.  We can use it as is, I think, but let's also
think about what changes might it even better.  The slogan,
Speak Out Against Rochester Noise, is something we would all
agree with, I think.  It speaks to fighting against a negative force.
The ear and sound wave graphic has an appropriate neutrality;
we are interested in the waves that meet our ears.  We want to
lose the invasive, unnecessary ones (boom cars, loud pipes) so
we can fully process the beautiful, necessary  ones (a child's
whisper, a pianissimo cello.)  We want to have some choice in
the matter.  It seems, however, that the neutral graphic is in a
slight incongruency with the fighting message.

I'm thinking of some catchy way to convey that desire for
restoration of a higher level of free choice with regard to the
sound waves to which we expose ourselves.

James J.

Hi,

A noise banner ad is now available from the files and photo section
for distribution.  Send the banner ad and the URL of this group to
your friends with Web sites and ask them to put the ad on their sites.

Max

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the rochestersoundscapesociety
group.

   File        : /noise.gif
   Uploaded by : Max_Lent <max@...>
   Description : Noise Banner Advertisement

You can access this file at the URL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rochestersoundscapesociety/files/noise.gif

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

Max_Lent <max@...>

There is a precedent for having non-police officers traffic violation
citations.  For example, the campus safety officers at RIT and the U
of R are not police officers, yet they can write traffic violation
citations.

There is a precedent for neighborhood civilian patrols who can summon
police officers if they observe a crime being perpetrated or
suspicious behavior.

There is a precedent for the police using video cameras to watch
intersections with the intent of writing traffic citations.  If a car
goes through a red light, the car's license plate number is recorded
along with a video recording of the car breaking the law.  That is
enough evidence to justify the writing a traffic citation.

Why not combine the three precedents and have a volunteer group,
armed with video cameras with on-camera microphones, videotape noise
violators in their cars and have the police department send
perpetrators tickets by mail.  It might even work well to have the
video clips published online.

Most video cameras have the ability to include a date and time stamp
on recordings.  Most consumer video cameras have excellent zoom
lenses and low light recording capability.

The advantage of this system is that the civilian patrol never comes
in contact with the criminal.  Citations are written without police
officers being drawn away from felony investigations.

A variation of this would be to have the city mount video cameras and
microphones on streetlamps to record the activities of particularly
noisy streets.  These cameras and microphones could be moved to other
locations at random until a neighborhood is brought back to
lawfulness.

It is difficult to comprehend the loss that would have occurred had a
boom-car passed by the hall. This says it all - the right - the
entitlement - to "quiet enjoyment."

BOB

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-quiet-list@...
[mailto:owner-quiet-list@...]On Behalf Of jkaufman
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2002 5:08 PM
To: David N. Boyer; K. Pace; Aaron Hyzen; Fred Marshall; George Gorman;
Ginny and Jerry Janas; Harold Mars; Joseph Maliga; Mark Olivieri; Mike
Kehoe; Nick Reda; Paul Arnold; Peter Constanza; Quiet-List;
rochestersoundscapesociety; Sue Mearns; Trish
Subject: [QL] Silence reaches Rochester resident on 9-11-02


=== Quiet-List message from jkaufman <jkaufman@...> ===
~
Dear friends,

I retype a letter to the editor of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle with
the
permission of the author, but with the request that the name be withheld.



Mozart Requiem a Poignant Tribute

There are no words toexpress my gratitude to all those whose time and
resources
made the Sept. 11 presentation of the Mozart Requiem at the Hochstein
Performance Hall possible.  Thanks also to all who came to listen and sat
with
not even a cough to break the silence for the five minutes' meditation
preceding
the first note and the minute or so after the last note.

It was even more beautiful because each voice seemed to be singing from the
heart.  Or perhaps we were listening with our hearts.  Or maybe both.  A
more
fitting tribute and memorial could not be found.

I respected the request for no applause and agree that the silence that
followed
the last note was appropriate.  Even so. I felt like leaping to my feet.
cheering wildly and singing "We Shall Not be Moved" as a tribute to the
strength
and resilience of our nation.

Can you all see the broad smile breaking through my tears?

---------------------------------

~
==========================================================================
QUIET-LIST:   Internet Mail List for Noise Pollution, Soundscape Awareness
and the Right to Quiet.  Post messages to "quiet-list@...".  This is
a "majordomo" list, allowing subscribers to manage their own subscriptions
To unsubscribe, send a message saying "unsubscribe quiet-list" (in message
body) to "majordomo@...", or contact list admin "quiet@...".
Daily digest? Send "subscribe quiet-list-digest" to "majordomo@...".
==========================================================================
---
Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 8/21/02

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 8/21/02

Below, in CAPS are my recommended changes in Rochester, New York's amplified
sound law.  We can discuss the proposal tomorrow and perhaps vote, if we are
satisfied.

§ 75-12. Sound reproduction devices used for miscellaneous purposes. [Amended
2-8-1983, Ord. 83-36]

A. No person shall use or operate or permit to be used or operated any radio,
television, phonograph, musical instrument or other machine or device for the
producing, reproducing or amplification of sound with louder volume than is
necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are voluntary
listeners thereto. It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this
section if sound emanating from such machine or device is:
(1)Audible beyond the property line of the premises upon which it is being
used
between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(2)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet beyond the property line of the
premises upon which it is being used between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m.

PROPOSAL:  REDUCE A(2) TO 20 FEET

(3)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from such machine or device if
operated from within a motor vehicle on a public street.

PROPOSAL:  REDUCE A(3) TO 10 FEET

(4)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from such machine or device when
operated in a public park or other public place.

PROPOSAL:  REDUCE TO A4 30 FEET

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1)Funeral processions or use of such devices by a church.

PROPOSAL:  ELIMINATE "OR USE OF SUCH DEVICES BY A CHURCH"  (A CHURCH OF ALL
PLACES SHOULD BE A MODEL OF ACOUSTIC RESPONSIBILITY)

(2)The production of music in connection with any parade authorized under any
provision of law.
(3)Any musical performance upon a public place where a permit has been
obtained
from the Office of Special Events for such purpose.

PROPOSAL:  AMPLIFIED SOUND IN ALL INSTANCES INCLUDING THE ABOVE AND BELOW
SHALL
BE ILLEGAL IF
A.  IT EXPOSES PARTICIPANTS, CHILDREN, OR INVOLVED EMPLOYEES TO DANGEROUS
SOUND
LEVELS AS DEFINED BY THE LEAGUE OF THE HARD OF HEARING OR
B.  IT IS AUDIBLE BEYOND 150 YARDS OF ITS BORDERS.

(4)The use of amplifiers or other sound producing instruments or equipment in
connection with any religious or political activity or any permitted athletic
competition or recreational event held on athletic fields, stadiums or public
places in the city.

PROPOSAL:  RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES SHALL REQUIRE THE SAME PERMIT AS
ANY OTHER ACTIVITY IN ORDER TO WAVE NORMAL NOISE RESTRICTIONS AS DEFINED IN
75-12 A.

C. Any motor vehicle used in connection with the commission of a violation of
this section shall be towed in accordance with § 111-75 of the Municipal Code.
[Added 7-14-1998, Ord. 98-300]
------------------------------

James J. Kaufmann

-------------

Dear friends,

I retype a letter to the editor of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle with
the
permission of the author, but with the request that the name be withheld.



Mozart Requiem a Poignant Tribute

There are no words toexpress my gratitude to all those whose time and
resources
made the Sept. 11 presentation of the Mozart Requiem at the Hochstein
Performance Hall possible.  Thanks also to all who came to listen and sat with
not even a cough to break the silence for the five minutes' meditation
preceding
the first note and the minute or so after the last note.

It was even more beautiful because each voice seemed to be singing from the
heart.  Or perhaps we were listening with our hearts.  Or maybe both.  A more
fitting tribute and memorial could not be found.

I respected the request for no applause and agree that the silence that
followed
the last note was appropriate.  Even so. I felt like leaping to my feet.
cheering wildly and singing "We Shall Not be Moved" as a tribute to the
strength
and resilience of our nation.

Can you all see the broad smile breaking through my tears?

---------------------------------

Friends,

Here is my proposed Sept. 17 agenda, for review by all.  Please recommend
changes.  Your ideas are always appreciated!  And spread the word!

7:15 (Optional) Social Time.  Eat some food; drink some drink; get to know
each
other; complain about noise, share with each other what you have been doing to
fight noise.

8:00 Meeting proper begins.

8:00 Share with the group about something a fellow member has done to fight
noise.

8:05 Sound-off about your noise issues.  But don't just tell us!  Communicate
with your city officials!

8:15 New ideas for solutions.  A brainstorm and discussion.  What are some
ways
you could use your own unique talents to further the cause?  What are some
things any of us can do, that don't require a specific talent?  What are some
things that are free?  That cost money?

8:30 Presentation: Why we should support ONAC.

8:40 Complete written survey of problems and solutions.  Schedule boom car
documentation, Sign ONAC letters. Submit very rough newsletter pieces.

9:00 Discuss how to get signatures for petition.

9:05 Talking plans.  Could we all schedule some time to talk to a moral
leader,
such as a spiritual leader or teacher, about acoustic responsibility?

9:10 Discuss recommended changes in amplified sound law.

9:25 Vote to approve or disapprove changes in question.

9:30 Closing Remarks.  Send a letter to a city official!

To the members of the Rochester Soundscape Society:

I am pleased to join this group at the request of Jim Kaufman. I am a
former Rochester area resident, and served as music director for Good
Shepherd Church in Webster in the sixties.

My role in Noise Free America is that of "Technical Advisor" (and
Mediator). This means, sometimes, that I will "ride the fence,"
looking for common ground between the "noise makers" and the "noise
sufferers," in an effort to find solutions. This may anger some, but
it is often necessary in order to maintain objectivity and get
results.

In my twenty-six years in this business, I have learned a couple of
things:

1 - Noise is generally "in the ear of the beholder."
2 - What is "acceptable" is relative to the environment
3 - What is "reasonable" to one person may not be to another
4 - Noise does not stop at a property line
5 - The number of complaints is almost always the thing that drives
community action
6 - Some noise is necessary - some is not; Almost all can be reduced -
  sometimes very easily.

Please feel free to contact me with your noise problems and concerns.
ON-LINE ADVICE IS FREE! Just drop me a line at bob@....

If something more is needed, we have people who service the entire
country and Canada with products and services for industrial,
architectural and community (environmental) noise remediation. Call
Glen LaVallee, VP Sales, at 1-800-LESS-LOUD (537-7568)or send him an
e-mail at sales@.... You may also wish to visit our website at
www.oshex.com.

Need a luncheon or dinner speaker? Let us know.

Bob Andres, CEO
Oshex Associates, Inc.
Environmental Safety Associates (ESA)

Dear Rochester Soundscape Society,

    I am very pleased to join the yahoo.com group for the Rochester
Soundscape Society, and I'm very pleased that RSS is a local
affiliate of Noise Free America. Thanks to James Kaufmann and Max
Lent to setting this up, and for making progress in the battle
against noise in Rochester.

    James and I will be meeing with a number of other Noise Free
America people in Richmond, Virginia the weekend of October 26th.
You're all invited!  We plan to discuss organizational matters:
getting our 501c3 status, raising money, doing online petitions,
lobbying for change at the nation and state levels, getting more
publicity, aligning ourselves with other interest groups, etc.  Also,
Arline Branzhaf will be leading a workshop on noise and children's
development, I hope to give a talk at the University of Richmond on
noise and community deterioration, and our own James Kaufmann will be
giving a benefit concert (along with a Richmond musician)!

    If the spirit moves you: Noise Free America can always
use "financial assistance."  It takes money to run this organization.
Primarily, we need to pay an experienced and capable webmaster (and
they don't come cheap).

    Starting in October, we will be offering a monthly online
newsletter, PEACE AND QUIET.  It will go to all NFA members who
contribute $25 or more.

    For a contribution of $100 or more, we will send an NFA t-shirt or
a CD of our three public service announcements. For $200 or more, we
will send both. For $500 or more, we will make you a member of the
Founders Club and place your name permanently in lights on the web
site (http://www.noisefree.org).

    I don't enjoy asking for money.  But it's a grim necessity. We
need money to pay expenses and expand our operation. So far, another
NFA member and I have borne about 2/3 of our costs.  We've each
contributed around $2,000. We need a broad base of support to
succeed.  Even to apply for 501c3 status with the IRS (to be able to
get tax-deductible contributions) costs more than $500.

    So, if the spirit moves you, please send a contribution to Noise
Free America c/o Department of Political Science
                  Tulane University
                  New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
                  504-862-8316
                  noisefree@...

    Once again, congratulations on the progress you're making against
noise in Rochester.

Ted Rueter

Rochester Wins Noise Award


September 6, 2002

Noise Free America
For immediate release
Contact: James Kaufmann
585-467-6273
jkaufmann@...
Ted Rueter
504-862-8316
noisefree@...

New Orleans: Rochester, New York has won September's Noisy Dozen award from
Noise Free America for its dismal failure to solve its boom car problem,
despite the apparent good intentions of civic officials.

James Kaufmann, founder of the Rochester Soundscape Society, said that
"Rochester citizens live in a world of constant rumble, thump, and boom. This
is
puzzling, given that we have a law (Code 75-12) which declares amplified sound
audible at fifty feet or more from a vehicle in a public street to be illegal
and subject to ticketing and towing."

Rochester's Mayor, William Johnson, seems to understand the gravity of the
problem. On May 30, 2001, he wrote that "when one of these vehicles cruises
down a street, 100 or more homes may be subjected to its noise pollution." He
raised Rochester's hopes for peace and quiet when he stated, "Just as police
radar detectors get people to slow down, Noise Enforcement details can get
people to turn the volume down."

But a year and a half later, Rochester's soundscape is still miserable. Area
composer Mark Olivieri describes a typical incident, driving down Main Street,
with his wife and infant: "We heard and felt this extremely low frequency,
powerful sound. When you roll up your windows, and you still have to plug your
baby's ears to protect against damage, you have a serious problem."

Kaufmann has collected over 160 signatures of City of Rochester and Monroe
County residents who feel the boom car situation is unreasonable, and sent it
to
the Mayor, City Council, and Chief of Police. "Chief Duffy called me
personally
to express his support," he said. "I commend him for his apparent commitment."

Some, however, are more skeptical. Athel Smiley, a city homeowner,
recently documented the license plates of 37 vehicles with excessively loud
stereos in one hour's time on Arnett Boulevard: "We can only get a small
percentage of them, because they pass by so fast." During this time, he saw
only
one police car, which drove by a parked boom car without doing anything about
it.

Kaufmann noted that Rochester has a special interest in solving its noise
problem--its musical tradition. Boom cars manage to penetrate such
well-isolated
spaces as the Ciminelli Lounge, Howard Hanson Hall, the Hochstein Performance
Hall, and the world-renowned Kilbourn Hall, making a mockery out of student
recitals and community performances by stealing precious quiet moments in the
music.

Courtney Richards, one of Rochester's many music lovers, says she attends
concerts at Kilbourn Hall "and can hear boom cars and other loud vehicles
clearly while the concert is in progress. These noises detract greatly from
the
quality of the experience and are surely frustrating to the performers."

According to Kaufmann, "With so many committed people, and with so much at
stake, Rochester should be able to tame the boom car monster. Let the whole
world watch to see if it has the courage and tenacity to do so. Until then,
the
soundtrack of its residents' lives, indoors and out, will be the same."

Noise Free America is a national lobby group dedicated to reducing noise
pollution. Its web site is http://www.noisefree.org.

#####

Here's a copy of Rochester, New York's amplified sound law for all who visit
our
site to see, study, understand, follow, and comment upon.

§ 75-12. Sound reproduction devices used for miscellaneous purposes. [Amended
2-8-1983, Ord. 83-36]

A. No person shall use or operate or permit to be used or operated any radio,
television, phonograph, musical instrument or other machine or device for the
producing, reproducing or amplification of sound with louder volume than is
necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are voluntary
listeners thereto. It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this
section if sound emanating from such machine or device is:
(1)Audible beyond the property line of the premises upon which it is being
used
between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(2)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet beyond the property line of the
premises upon which it is being used between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m.
(3)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from such machine or device if
operated from within a motor vehicle on a public street.
(4)Audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from such machine or device when
operated in a public park or other public place.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1)Funeral processions or use of such devices by a church.
(2)The production of music in connection with any parade authorized under any
provision of law.
(3)Any musical performance upon a public place where a permit has been
obtained
from the Office of Special Events for such purpose.
(4)The use of amplifiers or other sound producing instruments or equipment in
connection with any religious or political activity or any permitted athletic
competition or recreational event held on athletic fields, stadiums or public
places in the city.

C. Any motor vehicle used in connection with the commission of a violation of
this section shall be towed in accordance with § 111-75 of the Municipal Code.
[Added 7-14-1998, Ord. 98-300]
------------------------------

James J. Kaufmann
Rochester Soundscape Society
-------------------

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
rochestersoundscapesociety group:

What sound pollution do you find the
most disturbing at your home?

   o Automobile Stereos
   o Auto horns used instead of doorbells
   o Low flying aircraft
   o Neighbor's stereo
   o Neighbor's yelling


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rochestersoundscapesociety/surveys?id=93750

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Dear Believers in Soundscape Beauty:

Below is a copy of our mission statement.  We will vote to adopt or amend the
wording on Sept. 17.

The Rochester Soundscape Society is a local chapter of Noise Free America,
dedicated to restoring and preserving the soundscape of the greater Rochester
area by reducing noise, defined for our purposes as unwanted sound, through
advocacy, education, and action. We believe in people’s right to reasonable
control of their own acoustic spaces, and respect and sensitivity towards
others’ acoustic spaces. In the case of public spaces, we support responsible
use for the greater good of all affected. Because unregulated use always
defers, often unfairly, to the highest amplitudes, we recognize the need for
consistently enforced laws. We believe that our soundscape profoundly affects
the quality of our lives, and that we should do everything we can to restore
and preserve its beauty.

---------------------------
My own editing suggestion:  Change "Because unregulated use always
defers, often unfairly, to the highest amplitudes," to "Because unregulated
noise always wins in a contest with quiet,....."

Please tell me what you think.  Also, please tell me if you no longer want to
be
inundated with my barrage of e-mail.  If so, I will take you off the list.  I
do
not wish to inconvenience anyone with my passion!

Sincerely,

James J. Kaufmann

___________________

Dear Friends of the Soundscape:

Welcome to this brand-new group site for the Rochester Soundscape Society.
Max Lent, a man who has shown great enthusiasm for our cause, was kind enough
to set this up for us.  I think this will be a great place to discuss
soundscape and noise pollution issues, with a special emphasis on the greater
Rochester area and the activities of the organization, Rochester Soundscape
Society.

Although the current state of the soundscape in Rochester and its greater area
is dreary, I think we should set our sights high. I would like to hear audible
improvement by next summer, and by 2005, I would like us to be an
international model of reasonable  quietness--a place where people have
enjoyable conversations on their porches--a place where a teenager might find
a profound messages in the silent moments of a Schubert Sonata--a place where
a grieving widow might find some solace in prayer--a place where the joy and
intensity of a child's whispered secret might once again be experienced.

Let this site not be one of gloom and doom, but one of hope.  Let us not only
ponder why we are in our current predicament, but how we can persevere to get
out of it.  Let it be a place for those who will never give up on restoring
the soundscape of Rochester.  Though there are many great and important
practical reasons for reducing invasive noise, let us never be ashamed to
claim beauty itself as a valid pursuit.

Max and all, what do you think about opening this group and all its messages
up to the public at large, so that the curious and the concerned might stumble
upon it and our movement?