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Residents complain of late‑night club activity and street nuisance; police say enforcement and patrols will increase
Summary
Multiple residents at the April 1 council meeting described recurring late‑night noise, gunfire, and public nuisance near Main Avenue and Chestnut Street; police said patrols will be stepped up and reminded business owners that licensing requires security and cooperation.
Residents told the City of Passaic council on April 1 they are being disturbed by late‑night activity near Main Avenue and Chestnut Street, including what sounded like gunshots, loud parties and trash left in public spaces.
A public commenter who said she lives on Chestnut Street told the council she has repeatedly heard “pow pow pow” late at night, described a heavy concentration of clubs and rooftop dining near the intersection and said the noise and perceived danger are waking elderly residents.
The Police Chief acknowledged the complaints and told the council that officers will increase patrols in the area and document any scenes where shell casings or other evidence is found. The chief also said police have been cracking down on illegal fireworks sales and usage, which residents sometimes mistake for gunfire.
The mayor and chief said most entertainment establishments are required to employ security and to perform patron checks at the door; failure to meet those obligations can lead to loss of an entertainment license. The chief said the city has previously closed businesses and refused to allow them to reopen because of license violations.
Other public commenters raised related neighborhood concerns: a security guard said motorcyclists and bicyclists perform dangerous stunts, urinate on private property and create hazards; another resident said he is seeing more gang activity and violent incidents across several streets.
Council members and the mayor asked the Police Chief and deputy chief to step up enforcement during the hours when the disturbances reportedly occur. The chief reiterated a procedural point: residents should call the department immediately when they hear suspected gunfire so officers can document the scene and preserve evidence.
No ordinance or new regulation was approved at the April 1 meeting to address these complaints; council members asked staff and the police to pursue increased patrols and to continue enforcing licensing rules for entertainment venues.
— Ending: Council directed police to increase patrols and reminded residents to report incidents immediately.
