Neighbors decry late-night parties, 2023 shooting at 1011 East North Street; city staff say permit was not approved

Tim Andrews and Starla Slussman, neighbors of 1011 East North Street, urged Lima City Council to act after recurring late-night gatherings at the property disturbed nearby residents and, they said, created safety risks.

"It's almost always sometimes it's the number, sometimes it's the behavior of those present," Tim Andrews said, recounting an incident he identified as a July 19, 2023 shooting that he said left a bullet hole through his bedroom wall. "They disturb my serenity. They disturbed my peace." Andrews said parties often continued past 10 p.m. and sometimes until 5 a.m., producing loud music, traffic congestion and alleged drug and alcohol use.

Neighbor and property owner Starla Slussman told the council cars were parked on sidewalks and both sides of the street, that underage people were waiting to be picked up and consuming alcohol, and that officers had to handcuff and detain a participant after vandalism. "This party was to go on until 2AM in the morning in a residential area," she said; Slussman said she was told by officers the event had a city permit but told the council she believed the city had been "misinformed." She asked why such gatherings could not be held in more suitable, commercial venues.

Mayor (unnamed) and staff responded during miscellaneous business. The mayor said administration records show the city did not approve a 2 a.m. permit for the property and described the reported permit as a misunderstanding. Ms. Harpster, speaking for the administration, said the request for a 2 a.m. party was denied and that staff are discussing possible regulatory options, including limits similar to rules that restrict the frequency of garage sales. "We're looking at maybe restricting the number," Harpster said. "We did not approve that. That was denied." She also told council she and staff would consult the law department on workable restrictions that protect neighbors while respecting property rights.

Council members repeated concerns about neighborhood safety and nuisance activity, and several asked that the matter be placed on the Neighborhood Concerns Committee agenda for follow-up. The mayor asked Harpster to continue investigating enforcement and permitting records and to report back to council.

Ending: Council directed staff to explore options and to bring proposals to the appropriate committee; no formal council vote or ordinance was taken on the matter during this meeting.