Commission approves first reading of ordinance to allow impoundment of vehicles tied to 'mobile nuisance' gatherings

The Kalamazoo City Commission on April 21 approved for first reading a proposed ordinance (Chapter 21, Article 3, new section 21‑28) that would authorize police to impound vehicles involved in repeat “mobile nuisance” gatherings.

The draft ordinance defines a mobile nuisance party as a static or moving social gathering that, by conduct, causes one or more listed harms — including unlawful obstruction of traffic, unlawful street parking, and unreasonably loud noise that disturbs neighbors. The ordinance establishes a process that begins with a warning letter to registered owners and can result in seizure and impoundment of vehicles that continue to be involved in subsequent incidents.

Police Chief David Boysen and Deputy City Attorney Sarah Van Heif presented the ordinance and described the department’s recent operational approach. Boysen said the department shifted from large overtime…