‘It's like a big party.’ Woodlawn residents outraged over large gatherings, blasting music
Residents say the groups meet up, mainly on weekend nights, as early as 9 p.m. and stay through the night.
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People in Woodlawn said they’re worried about quality-of-life issues.
They’re outraged because they said dozens – even hundreds of people – gather along Jerome Avenue with cars, mopeds and ATVs to blast loud music, race in the street and block the busy roadway to traffic and first responders.
Residents said it happens every so often without advance warning between Bainbridge Avenue and East 233rd Street.
They told News 12 it’s been happening for years, and they’ve made multiple 311 complaints.
One resident said the latest get-together took place two weeks ago. They’re worried the gatherings will happen more frequently as the weather gets warmer.
Residents say the groups meet up, mainly on weekend nights, as early as 9 p.m. and stay through the night.
“It keeps people awake until 5 o’clock in the morning,” said James Kilkenny, of Woodlawn. “People as far away as Yonkers Avenue complain.”
“I live as far from the noise as I can be in my neighborhood, and I still hear it,” said Peter Anderson, of Woodlawn. “The people who live right on the other side of [Woodlawn] cemetery say it’s completely unbearable.”
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz represents the area and told News 12 he has met with city agencies several times about the issue, and he’s calling on the NYPD to stop the gatherings.
