Turn It Down! Church Blasts Bed Stuy Neighbors
Whenever I’m awake, it’s on. Whenever I’m asleep, it’s on! They put the speaker on and rock it out, says Destorm Power, encapsulating the problem facing neighbors of the Universal Outreach Ministries at 961 Bedford Avenue. Locals have tried 311 only to be told that noise complaints can’t be filed against a house of worship…
Whenever I’m awake, it’s on. Whenever I’m asleep, it’s on! They put the speaker on and rock it out, says Destorm Power, encapsulating the problem facing neighbors of the Universal Outreach Ministries at 961 Bedford Avenue. Locals have tried 311 only to be told that noise complaints can’t be filed against a house of worship during service hours. And volume’s not the only problem: If it sounded good, it would be okay, but they can’t sing, said Power.
Just as bad, many churches have the right to double park during services. Many of them park their cars in bike lanes with complete impunity.
I live behind the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church on Stockton Street. The Free Gift turns out to be incredibly loud music – the leave all their back doors open and we are gifted with the organ, drums, etc. Sometimes until 11pm on weeknights. Wish I could afford to leave in a more heathen neighborhood.
man you guys are a bunch of whiners. try living in harlem for a few years. five churches on my block plus 2 in the backyard. chew on that. at least you know who’s *not* responsible for shooting up the neighborhood.
I also find the hint of the mosque beautful. Funny I noticed it more when I was just back from Istanbul.
Yeah, mopar, I know exactly what you mean, as I have a family member in a sect that will remain nameless, that owns a lot of property in Brooklyn Heights.
The more you distance yourself from your theologically incorrect family, the better. The more cut off from traditional social norms, such as birthdays, holidays and voting, the closer you are to God and the Truth. After all, if it’s easy, it’s worldly, and therefore bad. Don’t get me started.
“You would think that they would realize that the effectiveness of the former is severely hampered by the latter.”
Not at all, Montrose. I attended the Times Square Church and the point of the (otherwise rhetorically excellent) sermon was that the more you annoy people (particularly close family members) with your religious fanaticism, the more you know you’re right.
Might apply to a few folks on here too.
Good one, Maly.
I have the same issue in my neighborhood, a Spanish language Pentacostal evangelical something something. I swear, friday night and sunday night it sounds like Hitler is giving a rousing speech to his minions. Amusing but only when it’s not summer and all my windows are open.
what I don’t get… how can they get away with broadcasting with speakers, hung outside the church? I’m all for any religion’s right to a ‘noisy service’, when said service is not BROADCAST.
we had a huge problem with the Greek Orthodox Church on schermerhorn. They had their faux taped bells playing every 15 minutes- very loudly- all day long. every day. finally a bunch of us started calling up the church office and whether or not the machine picked up we blew whistles in their ears. They started getting the hint- two can play that game.
I am all for freedom of religion- I just don’t see where you have to blast your worship out the doors and windows. I don’t think G-d gives points for annoying the neighborhood and it is just so damn inconsiderate. This whole its a free country I can do whatever I want so the heck with you is so tired.
MM…yes, the mosques can be annoying if you’re in Malaysia trying to sleep in your hotel room.