Jackson Heights Life

Dominican Parade, Sunday, 10/2
http://www.cb3qn.nyc.gov/calendar?c_v=evt&c_dt=2457664&c_eid=1595376&c_mid=0

Does this parade seem noticeably louder than others? Car alarms are going off and my terrace door is shaking in its frame. It's making everything feel so chaotic.

Crazy loud.

Yes, I noticed the car alarms that were triggered by the horrendous parade noise.  I am not a fan.

about 11,000, according to the most recent count. is that enough to merit a parade?

not sure, but considerably more than peruvian or bolivian, both of which have longstanding parades.

http://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/New-York/New-York/Jackson-Heights/Ancestry

I am also surprised that we have enough Dominicans in this neighborhood to merit having a Dominican parade.  I didn't check the stats (not exactly sure where to look) but my impression is that the Dominican population is very small here.  Since we don't even have one Dominican restaurant, I am guessing my impression is most likely correct.

I walked from 84th to 79th Streets as the parade (it was mostly noise, not much of a parade, since I saw one float followed by many vehicles with speakers blaring) as it was ending.  My ears are still ringing. 

I did meet up with Councilmember Dromm, and also the policewoman in charge of the parade, Ms. Irizarry (I don't know her title).  I could not communicate with our councilmember because of the noise, but I met Ms. Iriziarry after it had passed by.  She said, of course, that they had a permit, however, NO ONE (OF COURSE) WAS MEASURING THE DEAFENING DECIBELS OF THIS EVENT.  The organization responsible for this event should never be allowed to hold it on 37th Avenue again. Or anywhere for that matter.  I explained that the noise disrespected our community (they were "parading" in a residential area) and that her "report" on the parade must include the unnecessary and deafening sound that emanated from the vehicles and speakers that paraded down 37th Avenue.  Where in New York City would something like this be acceptable?

If you feel likewise, you need to contact:

1. 115th Precinct Community Affairs:  718 533 2010
2. Your councilmember's office:   Dromm: 718 803 6373  ddromm@nyc.council.gov
      Ferraras-Copeland: 718 651 1917   CD21invites@council.nyc.gov
3. Community Board #3: 718 458 2707   communityboard3@nyc.rr.com

The police department ultimately approves every parade permit.  Parade organizers that disrespect the communities they march in should not receive a permit the following year.  We must make sure that the 115th Precinct and Ms. Irizarry accurately report on today's parade so it does not receive a permit in 2017.

  Where in New York City would something like this be acceptable?

5th Avenue during the Puerto Rican Day and St. Patrick's Day parades, Flatbush Ave during the West Indian parade, 5th Ave down to Christopher St. for the Pride parade, the Giglio Feast in Williamsburg and East Harlem, Chinese New Year, etc, etc. Parades can sometimes be noisy.

^^I've been to a lot of parades, and yesterday's took the cake for loudness. You want to know why? Because the loudspeakers were placed one after another in quick succession. They all cranked up the volume to 11 in order to be heard. It was so loud I felt the bass in my chest. The volume was comparable to a Metallica concert I went to many years ago.

Was there a single live band in that parade, btw? I got off 37th Avenue as soon as possible, so only saw a portion of the parade. I actually really like parades - like watching the dancers; hearing music; being generally entertained and getting a bit of exposure to a culture different from my own. IMO, this parade didn't do anything for me other than make me worry for my ears.