SCORING
Using our statistical models, we have identified key variables that most positively and negatively impact the sound/noise environment in each of the Boston neighborhoods. Each neighborhood starts with a score of 100 points and is awarded or penalized based on the method, described HERE. Below is a sample report card:
| Your Neighborhood | Value | Points |
| Initial Points | 100 | |
| Sound Level | ||
| Average sound level from 7am – 7pm (DAY) (dBA) | 67.3 | -12.3 |
| Average sound level from 7pm – 7am (NIGHT) (dBA) | 56.6 | -19.33333333 |
| Average daytime peak sound level value dBA | 70.7 | |
| Average nighttime peak sound level value dBA | 68.9 | |
| Sound Perception | ||
| Average sound perception level based on The Greater Boston Neighborhood Noise Survey results | 4.6 | 10 |
| Noise Complaints | ||
| Per captia noise complaints (or average per captia noise complaint if 2+ neighborhoods) | 0.0218 | 10 |
| Massport Noise Complaints (January 2016-August 2016) | 30 | -15 |
| Neighborhood Spatial Attributes | ||
| Total (or Average if 2+ neighborhoods) percentage of land use that increases sound levels (commercial, industrial, transportation, etc.) | 56 | -2 |
| Total (or average if 2+ neighborhoods) length (miles) of: | ||
| Major Roads | 71 | -3 |
| Bus | 91 | -2 |
| Rail | 21 | -2 |
| Bike | 7 | -3 |
| Average vegetation index | 0.12 | -12 |
| Neighborhood Demographics | ||
| Population Density (persons per square mile) | 11,742 | 5 |
| Adjustment | 2 | |
| GRADE | 56.4 = F |
GRADING
The following grading scheme was used to award total points a grade from A – F:
| Grade | Percent |
| A, A+ | Above 93 |
| A- | 90-92 |
| B+ | 87-89 |
| B | 83-86 |
| B- | 80-82 |
| C+ | 77-79 |
| C | 73-76 |
| C- | 70-72 |
| D+ | 67-69 |
| D | 63-66 |
| D- | 50-62 |
| F | Below 50 |
Report cards were created for each Boston Neighborhood. In the instances where there was low survey participation, neighborhoods were combined. Ideally, we would love to represent each neighborhood, independently as each neighborhood has its own distinct character. For a more accurate grade (a grade that captures each neighborhood independently), we need larger survey responses numbers. Therefore, we encourage you to fill out the survey HERE so that at our next update, your neighborhood can be independently represented.
*NOTE: DETAILED REPORT CARD GRADES FOR EACH NEIGHBORHOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON NOVEMBER 4, 2016 .
