Fines for noise violations could increase by $123
Becky Hart
Issue date: 9/6/01 Section: Campus News
As the school year begins, dorm residents are finding house numbers scribbled on their white boards and off-campus residents can find house parties by strolling through their neighborhood at night.
But party-goers should be leery. Jerry Matysik, Deputy Chief of Police said the police plan to be stricter with noise violations this year. The city attorney's office recently proposed a $123 increase for the noise violation fine, which would bring the total to $335, Matysik. said.
“People holding a loud or disturbing party should not expect a warning when police arrive,” Matysik said. “Officers are being encouraged to give less warnings and strictly enforce the ordinance.”
Matysik said loud parties are disrespectful to people trying to sleep and they also encourage associated problems such as littering, urination in yards, and vandalism.
“We certainly don’t want to stop people from getting together to have fun, but we want to stop the parties that disturb the neighbors,” Matysik said.
He suggests long-term residents get to know the renters around them. He said that a relationship usually leads to a mutual respect and will help renters be less disruptive.
“We want students to feel a part of the neighborhood in which they live, and have a considerate relationship with their neighbors,” Matysik said.
Laura Schmidt, a junior elementary education major, supports the strict enforcement.
“I think it is a good idea as long as they are busting the parties that are disruptive, and not the parties that are under control.”
Matysik said it will be about a month for the increased fine for noise violations proposal to go through.
There is also a proposal to have an additional penalty if an officer attempts to break up a party and the guests don’t leave, Matysik said.
But party-goers should be leery. Jerry Matysik, Deputy Chief of Police said the police plan to be stricter with noise violations this year. The city attorney's office recently proposed a $123 increase for the noise violation fine, which would bring the total to $335, Matysik. said.
“People holding a loud or disturbing party should not expect a warning when police arrive,” Matysik said. “Officers are being encouraged to give less warnings and strictly enforce the ordinance.”
Matysik said loud parties are disrespectful to people trying to sleep and they also encourage associated problems such as littering, urination in yards, and vandalism.
“We certainly don’t want to stop people from getting together to have fun, but we want to stop the parties that disturb the neighbors,” Matysik said.
He suggests long-term residents get to know the renters around them. He said that a relationship usually leads to a mutual respect and will help renters be less disruptive.
“We want students to feel a part of the neighborhood in which they live, and have a considerate relationship with their neighbors,” Matysik said.
Laura Schmidt, a junior elementary education major, supports the strict enforcement.
“I think it is a good idea as long as they are busting the parties that are disruptive, and not the parties that are under control.”
Matysik said it will be about a month for the increased fine for noise violations proposal to go through.
There is also a proposal to have an additional penalty if an officer attempts to break up a party and the guests don’t leave, Matysik said.
