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Residents press council to change noise rules and address downtown disturbances
Summary
Multiple residents told the council that loud vehicle exhaust, bar noise and loitering near Ann Street Plaza are harming quality of life; speakers asked for repeal or amendment of ordinance 15-41, better enforcement mechanisms and expanded police and public‑works resources. The city manager said a Dec. 9 proposal will include ordinance amendments and staffing recommendations.
Residents crowded the public‑comment period at the East Lansing City Council meeting on Nov. 18 to press for changes to downtown noise and loitering enforcement.
John Sweet asked the council to put ordinance 15‑41 back on an agenda for repeal of sections he said limit enforcement of loud noise and loitering in places such as Ann Street Plaza. ‘I would like it put on for the next meeting for those sections about noise ordinance to be repealed,’ Sweet said.
Other Newman Lofts residents and nearby neighbors described repeated nights of very loud music, modified‑muffler vehicle noise and crowds after MSU events that make sleeping impossible for people who live downtown. Registered nurse Joni Morgel said the noise has harmed her health and urged restoring police tools to address it.
Several speakers urged non‑stop or alternative enforcement approaches that avoid risky nighttime traffic stops — for example, photographing modified exhaust systems and issuing summonses tied to license plates. Daphne O’Regan recommended a photographic enforcement approach to avoid escalation during night stops.
City Manager Robert Bellman said Police Chief Brown has established a downtown solutions working group and that staff will bring a package of possible actions to the Dec. 9 council meeting, including proposed amendments to ordinance 15‑41 to address loud exhaust as a secondary offense, changes to camping and loitering prohibitions, additional DPW and police staffing, and cameras and lighting.
The council did not vote on ordinance language at the Nov. 18 meeting; members heard public input and directed staff to prepare proposals.
