Strict Enforcement of Current Rules

I would endorse strict enforcement of current rules in neighborhood preservation districts as well as strict enforcement of noise ordinances.

Regular Police Patrols to Prevent Noise Violations

I would promote regular police patrols in established neighborhoods where "grandfathered" student rentals still exists to prevent noise violations. If the patroling policeman noticed a crowd gathering at a house around 11:30 pm, he would knock on the door and tell them they needed to go elsewhere to socialize. This way the police can stop the party before it gets out of hand. I'm sure the students would catch on quickly.

Minimum Appearance Standards for "Grandfathered" Student Rentals

I would support a measure that establishes minimum appearance standards for “grandfathered” student rentals in established neighborhoods. This would assure that gutters are not falling off, that the garbage is contained, and that the yard is maintained.

Encourage Communication between Developers and Neighborhoods

I would encourage developers to get to know the concerns of a neighborhood before a building project nearby gets underway. The developer would listen to the neighborhood concerns about traffic, noise, buffering and visual blight. This way the developer can incorporate these concerns into the project design. It can also help alleviate the anxiety and fear of the neighborhood when a new project is proposed. And hopefully, it will eliminate the bickering at public hearings.

Effective Buffering to Protect Neighborhoods

I would mandate effective buffering and design standards that shield neighborhoods from adjoining incompatible uses. For example, in the case of apartments bordering an existing neighborhood, I would make sure decks, porches and other congregating areas are oriented away from the existing neighborhood to minimize disturbances.

Other Creative Ways

Encourage more social activities downtown such as music and art venues and late night coffee shops, book stores, pubs and restaurants. This way students can socialize downtown rather than in your neighborhood.

Use an Airhorn!!! I know it sounds crazy, but there is a lady down the street from me who uses one quite effectively. When the students across the street get too rowdy, she just honks the airhorn. It took a while for the students to catch on--but now, for the most part, they quiet down on demand.