Some of you may remember that I am a member of the Saint Petersburg branch of Noise Off, a coalition against noise pollution. Back in 2009, Noise Off was able to convince the then Saint Petersburg’s City Council that excessive noise is a public health issue that negatively affects the lives of the citizens of Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Since that time and though there are fewer “Boomcars” rambling loudly up and down the public streets within the city limits, the enforcement of the noise ordinance by the Saint Petersburg Police Department has had it positive affect on the city of Saint Petersburg as a whole. Yet, Noise Off is an international group and proud of the success of all its members.
This stated, below is a message from Officer Rick Holtsclaw of the Houston Police Department on the success in gaining support for the enforcement of Houston's City Ordnance 30-4 "Noisy Vehicles Generally", which has led to a ruling from Houston's City Legal that the enforcement of the ordnance Is valid and enforceable.
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Message date Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Those of you familiar with my ongoing battle with a particular supervisor regarding the validity of Houston's City Ordnance 30-4 "Noisy Vehicles Generally" will be pleased to hear that City Legal has returned a verdict of "enforceable.” I was subsequently called into my Captains office and told that I was permitted to resume enforcing the noise ordinance as it relates to loud exhaust on motorcycles and automobiles. The earlier order to stop enforcement due to perceived subjectivity issues has been overturned. Those members who have an abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ pray that I will enforce the current noise ordinance with wisdom and discernment. Thanks to those who took the time to write the letters and make the phone calls.
Sincerely,
Rick Holtsclaw SPO
Houston Police Department
Westside Division
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Congratulation Office Holtsclaw!
Let this message be proof that the fight against excessive noise is still strong and an ever growing task. Meanwhile, the members of Noise Off here in Saint Petersburg, Florida are working toward a reversal of the order that shut down the St. Petersburg Police Department “Tone Down Violation Form" program by Chief Harmon from Mayor Bill Foster.
If you want to help in the effort to reinstate the “Tone Down Violation Form", click to contact Noise Off, and then seek out the members' page for the city's program founder in our area.
St. Petersburg, Florida Police Step-Up Enforcement of Existing Noise Ordinance an article in Noise News for Week of August 22,2010.
