YOUNGSTOWN Local residents offer opinions on noise

Loud cars have prompted recent arrests.
By JOSH MOUND
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Two years ago, Youngstown was named one of the "Noisy Dozen" by Noise Free America, and earlier this year the city was mentioned in a Christian Science Monitor article addressing the issue of noise pollution.
Nationwide, many communities are passing new noise ordinance laws and more strictly enforcing current laws. Youngstown is no exception. Recent arrests, particularly for "boom cars" and "vroom cars," have made headlines in The Vindicator. Penalties for violating the Youngtown ordinance include fines and possible confiscation of stereo equipment, among others.
Considering the prevalence of cars with powerful stereos and custom mufflers among teens and young adults, that age group has a particular interest in the crackdown. Several locals weigh in on the issue:
Chadd Anderson, 20, Youngstown: "I find the whole thing to be completely stupid, because I think they are singling out young people. There are older guys with cars actually louder than ours."
Jennifer Ortz, 20, Boardman: "I really couldn't care less about the noise ordinance, because I think you can't enjoy music when it is played that loud."
John Woodward, 20, Campbell: "I think it's all sourced from these rich people who don't want to be disturbed. People don't want to be bothered by us kids who show off [our cars]."
Nick Magazzine, 22, Struthers: "If you're on a main road, I don't see why it's a big deal. I can see why in residential areas. In the daytime, I don't think it should matter at all, but it's a touchy subject."
Nick Eusanio, 20, Youngstown: "I think [not being loud] is understandable when you are at a red light or when there are older people around you, but when you are driving down the road, people probably only have to hear you for a second."
C.J. McCormick, 20, Boardman: "I think it should only be enforced during certain times, and [the maximum] should be more decibels or a farther distance. They definitely should not confiscate your system."
Todd C. Harris, 21, Boardman: "I think that noise ordinances are a good idea, because I'm tired of obnoxious children disturbing my driving experience."