Res. No. 294

Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to install soundproofing systems near schools where subway and train noise reach disruptive decibel levels

By Council Members Van Bramer and Brannan

Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) has over 600 miles of subway tracks, and operates 6,000 subway cars that serve 468 subway stations; and

Whereas, A large portion of the MTA’s track infrastructure is above ground, running through many commercial and residential areas; and

Whereas, While New York City arguably has one of the largest and most efficient subway systems in the world, the largely above-ground system poses many problems for City residents; and

Whereas, In particular, subway noise has become a concern to many parents; and

Whereas, According to one media report, a public school in Queens that is located near an elevated train registered decibel levels in the high 90s; and

Whereas, According to the National Institutes of Health, prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher may lead to hearing loss; and

Whereas, The New York City Department of Health recently launched a campaign to educate City residents about the negative effects of headphone use; and

Whereas, In Seattle, Washington, the local transit authority began work in 2013 to soundproof a portion of its light rail system that runs close to a residential neighborhood due to concerns about noise levels; and

Whereas, The MTA, in conjunction with other relevant City and State agencies, should begin studying ways to soundproof subway tracks located near public schools; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to install soundproofing systems near schools where subway and train noise reach disruptive decibel levels.

GZ

LS 1027/Res. No. 148/2014

December 15, 2017

LS# 561