uReport

City of Bloomington, Indiana

closed: Resolved #202705

Traffic Suggestions:

Other: Dear City of Bloomington Representative, I am writing to formally request the consideration of an ordinance prohibiting the use of engine brakes (commonly known as “Jake Brakes”) on E 3rd Street West of SR 446 into Bloomington. This stretch of road, being a key route with both residential and commercial presence, frequently experiences disruptive noise pollution from heavy trucks utilizing engine brakes. As a resident in the area at Summerhouse, I can personally attest to the significant impact this has on daily life and overall well-being. The frequent noise not only disrupts daytime activities but also affects my ability to sleep soundly at night, compromising rest and health. Supporting Evidence: 1. Noise Pollution and Health: Studies have consistently shown that chronic exposure to high-decibel noise—like that produced by engine brakes—can contribute to sleep disturbances, increased stress levels, and even cardiovascular risks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise above 55 dB is considered harmful, and engine brakes often exceed 80–100 dB. 2. Ordinance Effectiveness: Many municipalities across the U.S. have adopted engine brake ordinances in residential areas to reduce noise pollution and improve quality of life. 3. Local Impact: Given the residential density and commercial activity along E 3rd Street, enforcing a restriction would bring it in line with common noise abatement practices, ensuring a quieter, more livable environment for its residents. I believe that introducing this ordinance would not only improve the quality of life for residents but also align with community standards of noise control and public health considerations. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and provide any additional information that may be helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Paul Laudeman

Assigned to
Lisa Lehner
Complaint Type
Other

History

8/5/2025 11:38:19 Closed by Lisa Lehner

I suggested that the constituent contact enforcement authorities to inquire if they could enforce existing state laws to reduce noise. Also have notified Council President and will contact other enforcement authorities as well.

Sent notification to Lisa Lehner, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Closed by Lisa Lehner I suggested that the constituent contact enforcement authorities to inquire if they could enforce existing state laws to reduce noise. Also have notified Council President and will contact other enforcement authorities as well.

8/5/2025 11:26:36 Lisa Lehner commented on this case.

Thank you very much for your detailed comments and your proposal. I'm writing to respond to your suggestions as the Council Attorney. Council's Office has previously explored the possibility of enacting an ordinance as you suggested and has discussed it with other City staff. The problem is that Third Street/SR 446 are State roads and the City lacks authority to pass legislation regulating them. A suggested solution is to contact Bloomington Police and/or the Sheriff's Department to request that existing State regulations be enforced. There may be State laws controlling noise pollution, and other disruptive and bothersome activities, which local authorities might have authority to enforce. I hope that this information is helpful and responsive to your concern, and thank you again for contacting the City of Bloomington. Lisa Lehner, Council Attorney

Sent notification to Lisa Lehner, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Lisa Lehner commented on this case. Thank you very much for your detailed comments and your proposal. I'm writing to respond to your suggestions as the Council Attorney. Council's Office has previously explored the possibility of enacting an ordinance as you suggested and has discussed it with other City staff. The problem is that Third Street/SR 446 are State roads and the City lacks authority to pass legislation regulating them. A suggested solution is to contact Bloomington Police and/or the Sheriff's Department to request that existing State regulations be enforced. There may be State laws controlling noise pollution, and other disruptive and bothersome activities, which local authorities might have authority to enforce. I hope that this information is helpful and responsive to your concern, and thank you again for contacting the City of Bloomington. Lisa Lehner, Council Attorney

8/5/2025 11:24:51 Lisa Lehner contacted Lisa Lehner

Thank you very much for your detailed comments and your proposal. I'm writing to respond to your suggestions as the Council Attorney. Council's Office has previously explored the possibility of enacting an ordinance as you suggested and has discussed it with other City staff. The problem is that Third Street/SR 446 are State roads and the City lacks authority to pass legislation regulating them. A suggested solution is to contact Bloomington Police and/or the Sheriff's Department to request that existing State regulations be enforced. There may be State laws controlling noise pollution, and other disruptive and bothersome activities, which local authorities might have authority to enforce. I hope that this information is helpful and responsive to your concern, and thank you again for contacting the City of Bloomington. Lisa Lehner, Council Attorney

Sent notification to Lisa Lehner, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Lisa Lehner contacted Lisa Lehner Thank you very much for your detailed comments and your proposal. I'm writing to respond to your suggestions as the Council Attorney. Council's Office has previously explored the possibility of enacting an ordinance as you suggested and has discussed it with other City staff. The problem is that Third Street/SR 446 are State roads and the City lacks authority to pass legislation regulating them. A suggested solution is to contact Bloomington Police and/or the Sheriff's Department to request that existing State regulations be enforced. There may be State laws controlling noise pollution, and other disruptive and bothersome activities, which local authorities might have authority to enforce. I hope that this information is helpful and responsive to your concern, and thank you again for contacting the City of Bloomington. Lisa Lehner, Council Attorney

7/28/2025 13:46:01 Gretchen Knapp assigned this case to Lisa Lehner

Hi, please take a look and respond.

Sent notification to Lisa Lehner, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Gretchen Knapp assigned this case to Lisa Lehner You can use the link to follow progress on this case. Hi, please take a look and respond.

5/15/2025 13:46:29 Ryan Pedigo assigned this case to Anonymous

Sending for Council awareness of request for new ordinance.

Sent notification to Anonymous, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Ryan Pedigo assigned this case to Ash Kulak You can use the link to follow progress on this case. Sending for Council awareness of request for new ordinance.

5/15/2025 13:44:16 Cheyenne Bowlen assigned this case to Ryan Pedigo

Sent notification to Ryan Pedigo, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Cheyenne Bowlen assigned this case to Ryan Pedigo You can use the link to follow progress on this case.

5/15/2025 11:06:17 Anonymous assigned this case to Cheyenne Bowlen

Sent notification to Cheyenne Bowlen, Anonymous
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=202705 Anonymous assigned this case to Cheyenne Bowlen You can use the link to follow progress on this case.

5/15/2025 11:06:17 Opened by Anonymous

4503 E 3rd ST

CityBloomington
StateIN
Zip47401
Latitude39.16450881958
Longitude-86.474044799805
TownshipBloomington

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