WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JULY 1, 2021 3
Addabbo-sponsored legislation to increase fi nes for
illegally modifi ed cars awaits Gov. Cuomo’s signature
BY JULIA MORO
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
The state Legislature recently
passed legislation to increase
the penalty for drivers and repair
shops that modify cars, in order
to decrease excessive noise in neighborhoods.
That bill is now heading to
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk for
his signature.
The “Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust
Pollution Act,” or SLEEP Act,
was introduced by Brooklyn state
Senator Andrew Gounardes and cosponsored
by Queens state Senator
Joseph Addabbo — who said he has
received many complaints regarding
the issue from his constituents in his
district, particularly in neighborhoods
like Glendale, Middle Village,
Maspeth and parts of Ridgewood.
“Loud and excessive motor vehicle
noise is not only annoying, it has become
a quality-of-life issue which can
contribute to impaired health conditions,
such as hearing loss to exposed
individuals of all ages,” Addabbo said.
The senator said the previous
fi ne of $150 was just not enough of a
deterrent. Under the SLEEP Act, the
penalty would increase $1,000, but
Addabbo isn’t sure whether that will
be enough to stop the noise.
“I’d love to see it at $5,000 but we know
what we’re able to pass,” Addabbo said.
“We’ll evaluate if the issue still exists
aft er this bill is implemented. We may
have to consider $1,500 or $2,000.”
Addabbo expects the enforcement
of this bill to decrease drag racing in
New York as well.
“This bill resonates. It’s not only
a noise issue; it’s unsafe,” Addabbo
said. “If we can crack down on the drag
racing because we’re addressing the
noise issue, then we solve two issues
at once.”
Many New Yorkers prioritized
noise and quality-of-life issues as
they voted in the primary elections
this year.
In District 30, which covers Glendale,
Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood,
Woodhaven and Woodside,
Councilman Robert Holden made
unreasonable noise a focus of his offi
ce and re-election campaign.
“The nuisance of excessively noisy
cars racing, blowing lights and stop
signs, revving their engines and doing
burnouts on the street and at illegal
gatherings has plagued our neighborhoods
for too long,” Holden said.
“I have just recently met again with
NYPD Commissioner Shea at the 104th
Precinct to address this issue from
an enforcement perspective, which
will also be critical,” Holden added.
“There’s nothing wrong with the car
hobby, but the noise level and behavior
have to be within the law.”
The bill was passed on June 10 and
now waits for Cuomo’s signature to
enforce the new fi ne.
QNS fi le photo
RIDGEWOOD
Property Owners & Civic Association, Inc.
In partnership with the
Eat Local!
Eat Ridgewood!
Membership has its privileges.
718-381-3366
ridgewoodownersny@gmail.com
The following restaurants in Ridgewood are
offering a discount to RPOCA members with
their membership card.
Discount Offer: 50% off second entrée.
Monday through Thursday; Regular Menu;
cannot be combined with any other promotion,
discount or special menu. Promotion is from
May 24th through August 26th.
Current Participating Restaurants
• Corato Pizza 60-91 Myrtle Avenue 718-381-5656
• Craft Culture 59-04 Myrtle Avenue 929-276-3049
• Cream Ridgewood 59-09 71st Avenue 347-457-7946
• Joe & John's Pizzeria 59-10 Myrtle Avenue 718-497-0078
• Tasty Diner 58-02 Myrtle Avenue 718-456-0954
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