Item B: Neighborhood Livability Working Group Report

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Neighborhood Livability Working Group In the same period 54 first response notices were issued to 21 residences that involved gatherings of 25 or more people and two or more noise or alcohol citations issued. Enforcement results in notification of property owner that violation occurred and puts person responsible for the gathering, in charge of the premises and/or the owner (only when present), on notice that they may be held liable for expenses related to a second response within 90 day time period of up to $1,500. However, residents are creative in avoiding the fine, as it is rare that the same tenants will come to the door on the second response. Behaviors with negative impacts addressed in this paper: A. Property, Personal & Behavior Crimes & Issues 1. Noise-related 2. Related to Personal Safety (violent crimes, fighting, intimidation, sexual assault, robbery) 3. Related to Property (theft, vandalism, trespass, graffiti, removal of public signs) 4. Traffic (illegal parking, DUII, speeding) B. Zoning/Land Use Issues 1. Property Upkeep (incl. not limited to: garbage removal, lawn care, home maintenance, litter) 2. Parking 3. Zoning Violations 4. Exodus of Long-Term Neighbors _____________________________________________________________________ A. Property, Personal & Behavioral Crimes 1RLVHUHODWHGEHKDYLRUV In general, this category covers intrusive noise that occurs at night or arises from activities that do not have a socially productive purpose. In a close-packed urban environment residents and guests must all respect the need to minimize noise intrusions on others at all times of the day and night. However, by convention, a limited level of intrusive noise is tolerated during the day for productive activities, such as property improvements or maintenance. The West University neighborhood and the South University neighborhood on 19th Ave. between Hilyard and University St. have the greatest density of student population designated as R-3 and R-4, so great that young people merely being on the street and active in party mode have a significant impact on the neighborhood. Here parties sometimes find a location in a house, but more often the problems of drunkenness and noise find their way on to the street. Groups of young people often rove aimlessly in search of some party, already very drunk. In the R1-zoned areas (single family residential) of SUNA, Amazon and Fairmount neighborhoods there are many student rentals, owned often by landlords from out of town. If the ratio of single-family residences to student rentals is sufficiently high (about 2 to 1), vigilant neighbors can keep the parties under control by talking frankly with their renter neighbors and, where necessary, calling the police. However, as young people rove from the R- 3/4 areas into the R-1 they often disrupt the peace with their yelling, etc. The narrative descriptions throughout the catalog were gathered from emails, listservs, neighborhood association meetings, and from the 2009 Neighborhood Survey; while most of the examples are taken from South University Neighbors, these narratives could be reproduced by any of the near off-campus areas. a. Loud parties at specific locations (music, shouting or other noise) disturb peace of nearby residents: Young residents of the neighborhood often have parties. As long as they have no impact on their neighbors, they are welcomed as part of the social fabric of the neighborhood. However, they often cause disruptive noise late at night. Small, private parties often grow quickly as guests phone and text spontaneous invitations to their friends. The crowd spills out into the yard becoming increasing agitated and disruptive. 43 Page