City Island residents say loud music coming from boats in the harbor late at night has become a summer-long problem, one they say is disrupting sleep and impacting families across the neighborhood.
Residents told News 12 on Saturday that the issue has persisted for years, but many say this summer has been the worst in recent memory.
Videos sent to News 12 shows boats lit up on the water with loud music echoing across the harbor during overnight hours.
Neighbors say the music can start as early as 10 p.m. and, on some nights, continue until as late as 6 a.m. during the summer.
The frustration is also playing out online, with local Facebook posts having drawn dozens of comments from residents who say they have dealt with the issue for years.
News 12 spoke with several City Island residents about the ongoing complaints.
“Young mothers are especially distressed because they can't get to sleep, and if they wake up and have to call harbor patrol, then the baby wakes up and they have this endless cycle,” said Mary Jo Byrne, a City Island resident since 1992.
“I’m pissed for me, I’m pissed for my neighbors, and I’d like to see something done about it,” said resident John Sheridan.
Frederick Ramftl, president of the City Island Civic Association, said residents are not opposed to people enjoying themselves on the water but want the noise turned down at night.
“We have young mothers trying to put their kids to sleep. We have quite a few senior citizens. We’re not saying don’t have a good time, just turn it down after a certain hour,” Ramftl said.
He also called for improved enforcement response in the area.
“We need a harbor patrol in the Bronx. We’ve been trying to get one for years. Currently they’re based in Queens and it takes them time to get here when there is a problem,” he said.
News 12 reached out to the New York City Harbor Patrol for comment but had not heard back as of Saturday evening.
One resident summed up the frustration bluntly: “We should not have to listen to this noise every night.”
