In April, the Providence Noise Project installed a sound monitor in the North End, and after five months, the data revealed some interesting patterns – including that the neighborhood may be louder than we realized. Noise levels consistently rose around 4am, above the city’s nighttime limit of 55 decibels. Early-morning vehicle traffic, including modified mufflers and over-amplified audio, may be contributing. After 10pm, noise levels also remain above the nighttime limit and don’t consistently approach 55 decibels until around 1 a.m.; overnight, the monitor records recurring peaks of 75–90 decibels. Check out the North End meter at NENAPVD.org/news by clicking “North End” under “How Loud Is the North End?” The more data we collect, the better we can understand neighborhood noise patterns and work toward a quieter, more peaceful North End. –Submitted by Alice Gorman
At the height of the growing season in August, ownership of Providence’s Peace & Plenty Community Garden was permanently transferred to the Southside Community Land Trust. Paolino Properties CEO and former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr. transferred the deed to SCLT Executive Director Margaret DeVos, with Providence Mayor Brett Smiley serving as witness. The transfer permanently protects the one-third-acre, 55-plot garden from future development, ensuring neighborhood residents can continue growing food there for generations. More than 50 people, including many gardeners, attended the ceremony, which featured music from the KC Moaners Jug Band, food from D’Norah Bites, garden tours, and community conversations. SCLT has managed the garden for nearly 40 years. According to lead gardener Doug Victor, Peace & Plenty is embracing a restorative growing model, including native plantings that support pollinators and a healthier urban ecosystem and has developed programs including an outdoor art gallery, kitchen scrap recycling, Meadow in the Making, and more. The findings highlight the important role small urban green spaces can play in neighborhood health. –Submitted by Doug Victor
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