A community group has dedicated hours to impede a senator pushing through Congress a bill that would have allowed louder noise in neighborhoods.
The community group called Vecinos Contra el Ruido (Neighbors Against Noise) is now celebrating a first victory in its fight against a proposed bill that would increase acceptable noise levels in the country. The group’s director, Rossé Bonifacio, announced that Senator Aracelis Villanueva (PRM-San Pedro de Macoris), who sponsored the bill, has decided to withdraw the bill.
The group was concerned that the proposed change to Law 90-19 would raise the permitted decibel levels, which are already aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Bonifacio argued that the change would decriminalize noise violations and force the public to tolerate higher noise levels, rather than holding those who create noise pollution accountable.
According to Bonifacio, noise pollution is a public health issue that can lead to physical and mental health problems, including heart, nerve, and hearing damage. She emphasized the importance of protecting the well-being of students, the elderly, children with autism, and all citizens who have a right to peace and quiet in their homes.
Vecinos Contra el Ruido has been actively mobilizing against the bill, holding meetings with government officials. The group has had the support of National District senator Omar Fernández and police leadership.
The group’s key goals include:
• Keeping Law 90-19 as it is, with no changes to the current decibel levels or penalties for noise pollution.
• Protecting citizens’ quality of life from the interests of specific businesses and musicians that support loud music arguing it is part of Dominican culture.
• Ensuring the law is applied equally to everyone, regardless of whether they are part of an organized association.
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Hoy
12 August 2025