Loud Noise Topic at Public Safety Meeting

Last week’s North End Public Safety meeting with Boston Police wasn’t as hostile as the month before.

It was probably a 2.2 on the richter scale but it did pose some challenges regarding noise, noise and more noise.

There was also talk of creating a Neighborhood Watch, which has been attempted several times in the past. The idea didn’t last long and on some occasions it never got off the ground.

Carolyne Mac Neil the Director of Neighborhood Watch Unit explained how to establish and how a Neighborhood Watch Unit works. She offered to help set-up meetings with small groups to discuss the possibility of having units set-up throughout the neighborhood. She handed out business cards and encouraged residents to contact her.

Janet Gilardi expressed her frustration about the “community not being what it used to be” and that “late night, early morning noise from people exiting bars, lounges and restaurants, was getting unbearable.” In addition she said, “We also have to deal with loud apartment and roof-top parties.”

Gilardi noted that “these people are doing damage to vehicles, destroying planters, using the neighborhood as a toilet and vomiting everywhere.”

Apparently the situation not only deals with non-residents but local students and young professionals living in the area.

Donna Freni, President of the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) said, “I am pleased that so many residents attended NEWNC’s Public Safety meeting at the Nazzaro Center last night and hope that North End residents will continue to attend these meetings and remain engaged. The issue of excessive noise and vandalism in the neighborhood is a very serious public safety as well as a quality of life issue. It is clear that residents are seeking aggressive enforcement of “disturbing the peace” violations. Several ongoing coordinated initiatives are in place to address the very troublesome issues impacting the quality of life in the North End. Cooperation between residents, police, city and college officials will certainly go a long way to achieving the much needed positive results.”

Richard Grealish a liaison for Suffolk University told residents that the “school has been hiring paid Boston Police details to help deal with loud parties.” Grealish personally rides with the police every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings to respond to loud parties and if they involve Suffolk students action is taken by the University in several ways including suspensions and possibly being removed from the school.

Area A-1 Boston Police Commanding Officer Captain Thomas Lee advised residents that each weekend additional patrols are assigned to the neighborhood to deal with any and all issues that may occur and traffic control.

While many residents registered some complaints and suggestions, they basically told police they were doing a good job.

The Captain reminded residents that the North End is the safest community in the City of Boston.

Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina favored the formation of a Neighborhood Watch and advised residents of the many things his office has done to help resolve the loud noise problem.

“We need to work with police, the business community, landlords, Suffolk University and Neighborhood Watch to make some of these problems disappear,” LaMattina said.

Steven Passacantilli said, “The loud noise problems and the negative respect for the neighborhood needs to be addressed as soon as possible.” He noted that Councilor LaMattina is spearheading a bill to either amend or change the City of Boston noise ordinance.

Each year the North End is bombarded with tourists, Faneuil Hall customers, TD Garden customers, feast visitors and traffic from local businesses especially on weekends and holidays.

One resident who wished not to be identified told the Review, “Our parks and playgrounds have become the stomping grounds for drug users and sellers.” The resident referred to Cutillo Park as “Needle Park”.

Captain Lee said, “I’ve met with the Mayor and he is aware of this situation and does care about resolving these problems.”

Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Senator Anthony Petruccelli could not attend the public safety meeting but told the Review that they fully support cracking down on the area’s noise and disruption created by late night incidents.

In a published report by Boston Police over the past 30 days crime in all categories was down across the board.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.