Ambrose Commits to Fixing Noise Law

(CLICK TO ENLARGE) During the Feb. 9 ANC6A monthly meeting, ANC6A Chairman Joe Fengler (left) asks Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose to introduce legislation to fix the D.C. noise law. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)

D.C. Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose said she would pursue legislative language to fix a loophole in a city statute that permits amplified non-commercial speech from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in or around R4 zones.

The current state of the D.C. law has allowed a religious group to use a powered amplifier to blast residential homes in and around the 700 block of 8th Street NE for hours during Saturday afternoons and evenings.

Ambrose made her commitment during last night’s monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A meeting at D.C.’s Miner Elementary School.

ANC6A Chairman Joe Fengler asked Councilmember Ambrose to introduce legislation. He indicated an April 15 deadline for this to happen.

During the public meeting, Fengler introduced me and explained our neighborhood’s long-festering dilemma about amplified noise. Ambrose replied that this was a difficult issue because of free speech rights. I agreed with her, and reiterated that our neighborhood supports the right to free speech, religion, and assembly. We only object to the use of a powered amplifier.

Ambrose then asked me if there was a group which performed dances at the intersection of H and 8th Streets NE, near where the noisemakers assemble. I said I was not aware of any dancers, but that the residents wouldn’t object as long as the dancers were quiet.

As a follow-up to last night’s positive development, I also urge the city council, when crafting the new language, to review other municipal noise ordinances to ensure the D.C. law will protect the rights of free speech as well as those rights of peace and quiet.

The council also should move with confidence, knowing that the 1949 U.S. Supreme Court decision KOVACS v. COOPER upheld the legality of municipal ordinances which regulate amplified devices.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) During the Feb. 9 ANC6A monthly meeting, Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose commits to offering language to fix the D.C. noise law. (Copyright © 2006. David Klavitter)