Homes Blasted by Amplified Speech
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) This photo perhaps best illustrates a community’s plight against continued amplified noise. The Jan. 7, 2006 image is of the southeast corner of the intersection of H and 8th Streets NE. It was taken from the north side of H Street and looks south toward 8th Street. It shows the stage erected by the preachers, the operating powered amplifier on the ground in front of their stage, and the residential homes in the 700 block of 8th Street. The amplifier clearly points and projects sound south into the residential neighborhood. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)This scene is repeated at the corner of H and 8th Streets for hours and hours nearly every Saturday afternoon and evening. An apparent loophole in the District of Columbia law allows unabated amplified non-commercial speech from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The misguided D.C. law apparently subjects anyone living in D.C. to hours and hours of amplified speech—loud enough to be heard inside a person’s own home.
In other words, this situation could occur in any D.C. neighborhood!
The residents in and around the 700 block of 8th Street NE have endured the noise pollution for years and are fighting for their rights to peace and quiet. They ask that the preachers simply stop using the powered amplifier. Meanwhile, the city, apparently powerless to do anything to ease the situation, must now enact a legislative fix to protect the community’s quality of life.
An enlarged view of the powered amplifier (circled in red), which points south and projects amplified speech for hours into the residential neighborhood. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)
posted by Klav at 12:24 PM
4 Comments:
Holy cow, this blog is hilarious! I think you should re-name it STFU DC.
What is the power source for the amplifier?
The amplifier incorporates its own rechargeable battery. The "Amp Can" is manufactured by Fender. It's a 15-watt model, contains a six-inch speaker, and weighs 13 pounds. Check Fender's website for more specs: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0231200000
You don't need a permit! Anyone can show up and blast at this location. As long as the content is non-commercial and it's during the day you blast away. In fact, there's no limit on Amplifiers, you can bring 30 if you'd like and you're within the limits of the law. Also, you can do this any where you'd like. Fenty's house, Graham's house, Williams house, where ever you'd like.
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