Mass shooting in Detroit causes illegal block party lockdown: What it means for residents
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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White announced a four-step plan to address recent violence at neighborhood block parties, including a weekend incident that left two people dead and 19 wounded.
The strategy includes a set of block party regulations and guidelines if residents wish to host a party at their homes. It also includes a new "Neighborhood Response Team" within the police department that is specifically designed to stop what the city officials say are illegal block parties.
“The level of violence resulting from block parties in recent weeks has increased to an unacceptable level that has now turned tragic,” Duggan said in a news release.
“Chief White and I have been in constant communication over the past two days, and we have a strategy we both are confident will make sure block parties in the city are held legally and safely.”
More: Detroit police announce block party crackdown after shooting that kills 2, injures 19
What is an illegal house party?
City officials announced Monday that neighborhood parties become illegal if:
Cars are parked on the sidewalks, lawns or illegally on the street
Partygoers loiter in public areas or otherwise interfere with vehicular and pedestrian traffic
Music and noise are excessive, which can be at any time but is enforced more strictly after 10 p.m.
Youth partygoers are not accompanied by parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult at:
11 p.m. when 17 and younger
10 p.m. when 15 and younger
What is a legal party?
Neighborhood parties that are legal and don't need a permit must be confined to one property. They must not leak into the street or sidewalk.
In addition, music and noise must not be unreasonably disturbing to the surrounding neighbors, city officials say.
If residents wish to have a block party (one that stretches outside of their private property) they must submit a permit 30 days before the event to close the entire street.
In order for the street to be closed, residents need 75% approval from fellow neighbors, be a resident themselves, pay a $75 fee and end by 10 p.m., city officials say.
To apply for the permit and see proper guidelines residents can find them here.
Only houses and block clubs registered with the Community Access Center are permitted to submit a block party application.
For additional questions, contact your local Detroit Police Department (DPD) or Community Access Center here on page four.
What if residents don't follow the rules?
Duggan has directed the City's Law Department to support the Detroit Police Department with the prosecution of party host and homeowners who spearhead illegal block parties.
Disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct are violations of the Detroit City Code, subject to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
“Anyone who sees an unpermitted block party, or one that is spilling over the front yard or illegally parking on the streets, sidewalks, or lawns, call 911 immediately. DPD will treat this as a priority 1 call. Please work with us to keep your neighborhoods safe,” White said.
Jalen Williams is an intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: You need a permit to throw block party in Detroit, officials say
