“Without limiting their free speech rights – what can those who wait for the bus, work, or live/work from home in the area do?”

photo by Rukasu1

“Dear PoPville,

There are many that live/work/commute near the Columbia Heights busy block of 14th and Irving St NW. About twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) there are 2 individuals who yell into an amplified speaker by the Columbia Heights metro and bus stop near the Truist Bank & ATM, and D’Vines. They can be heard for blocks and for hours on end, and if one is waiting for the bus, one’s ears ring for quite some time – it is that loud. Having lived in the area and in DC for decades, I love and expect city noise, but again – these 2 particular individuals don’t just use an amplified speaker, they yell into an amplified speaker, way above and beyond others who preach, sing, or share their thoughts in the neighborhood.

Asking politely to lower the volume does no good. Getting assistance with DCRA is not an easy ask even though their own regulations state:

Every person living in the District is entitled to reasonable noise levels that do not threaten life, health, and enjoyment of his or her property.

Excessive or unnecessary noises within the District pose a menace to the welfare and prosperity of the residents and businesses of the District. It is the declared public policy of the District to reduce the ambient noise level in the District to promote public health, safety, welfare and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the District, and to facilitate the enjoyment of the natural attraction of the District (DCMR 20, Sec. 2700.1).

Without limiting their free speech rights – what can those who wait for the bus, work, or live/work from home in the area do? Or is it just what the Council says – we chose to live/work here?”