Muncie and Student Government Association officials have mixed emotions regarding a proposed amendment to curtail loud parties in the city’s neighborhoods.
The current noise ordinance does not provide an adequate tracking system for repeat noise ordinance offenders, said Mike Gallion, a student member of the Muncie Campus Community Coalition and SGA Treasurer. Gallion hopes the proposed amendment would change that by considering repeat offenders “no-party properties” and enforcing a $250 fine for a first-time disturbance.
“This ordinance is city-wide, and it is not an initiative or an amendment against Ball State University,” Gallion said.
Muncie’s Campus Community Coalition — which includes Ball State students and administrators, as well as local businesses owners and government officials — proposed the amendment to the current noise ordinance. The Muncie City Council will hold an initial vote at its Sept. 12 meeting.
The amendment is based on a law in Lexington, Ky., that aids police in regulating disruptive parties around the University of Kentucky.
Mayor Dan Canan said the amendment will provide another tool for police to combat large noisy parties and improve the quality of local neighborhoods.
“Those that are having a party in a house or having people over and are not disruptive to the neighborhood, that won’t affect them at all,” Canan said.
Charles Leonard, vice-president of Muncie City Council, said it is “funny that they are adding another amendment” when the original noise ordinance is not being enforced.
“Just enforce the noise ordinance that is already on the books and that would solve the problem,” Leonard said.
Steve Geraci, SGA president, said it is a bad idea to punish those who make mistakes and have loud parties.
“We are better off enforcing current laws that are already extensive to curb partying,” Geraci said. Renters and permanent residents would have to report to Muncie’s Board of Public Works and Safety to appeal a “no-party property” certification.
Gallion said he thinks the council will pass the amendment at its Sept. 12 meeting, but the majority of students won’t be affected by the change.
“One of the biggest concerns with me is I have to be concerned with what students think, and keep in mind the welfare of the community.” Gallion said.��
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