As new tenants move into the neighborhood, we would like to remind residents that safety involves following the rules for parking.  While finding the perfect parking spot is sometimes difficult, not obeying the signs and regulations causes other problems.

 

We need to observe the regulations that prohibit parking in bus zones and near fire hydrants.  Also, safety is compromised when drivers leave their cars took close to corners, and these are clearly designated as "no parking here to corner."  When drivers insist on doing this, other drivers can neither see clearly to enter traffic nor move out of the way of other drivers who might approach them.  These areas are clearly marked with signs or by yellow curbs, and it is important to follow them.  Madison's Parking Enforcement is aware of these problems in our neighborhood and patrols regularly to cite illegally parked vehicles or have them towed.

 

In addition, parking problems are often associated with house parties.  Those hosting parties should urge their guests to follow the rules, since Traffic Enforcement operates at night and on weekends.  The Madison Police Department has posted its guidelines for parties, and we summarize them below:

 

Guidelines for Party-givers

 

1.         Know everyone there.

Don't open up your party to the general public or people you don't know. They do not always have your best interest in mind.

 

2.         Keep the size of your party reasonable.

You have no way of monitoring the behavior of too many guests.  Most of the time it is the behavior of the guests that attracts our attention.

 

3.         Be a responsible host.

A host should maintain the ability to monitor the behavior, health, and safety of the guests and be  able to identify and report emergencies.

 

4.         Monitor the noise level.

Typically parties are called to our attention because of excessive noise. Keep music and voices at a  reasonable volume.  What is "reasonable" will be determined by us based on complaints, the volume of the noise, your proximity to others, and the time of day/night.  It helps to talk to your neighbors before having a party, and plan to end it at a reasonable hour.

 

5.         Don't become a bar.

If you are selling alcohol, or charging admission to enter your home to drink (selling cups to enter),   you have become a bar and are selling/dispensing alcohol without a permit.

 

6.         Keep alcohol inside or on your property.

Discourage your guests from leaving your home with open intoxicants.  If they are on the street with their drinks, they can be issued a citation  and will attract our attention to your party.

 

Guidelines for Keeping your Party Safe

 

1.         Offer non-alcoholic beverages and food.

This is just a matter of being a good host.  Some people can't or don't want to drink alcohol.

 

2.   Don't let intoxicated guests drive home or leave alone. Call SafeRide/Walk or a Cab.

 

3.         Use common sense.

Getting intoxicated can be dangerous.  Monitor the behavior of your guests and avoid over serving them.  

 

4.         Attend parties with friends and never walk home alone.

 

            - Salvatore Calomino

            - James Zychowicz

 

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