Residents and council raise alarm over motorcycle and car racing on Pearl Street

Public comment and council remarks at the May 6, 2025 Ruston City Council meeting focused on recurring noise and safety concerns from motorcycles and cars racing on Pearl Street. At the start of public comment, Cliff Kendall raised the issue and asked the council to address the nuisance and safety risks. Charles McKenna also spoke during public comment, though his remarks that evening primarily concerned a neighborhood cleanup event.

Councilmembers addressed the complaint during Mayor's Time and member remarks. Councilmember Hedrick said he spends considerable time at Point Ruston and has observed Ruston law enforcement patrolling private property; he raised a concern that policing activity on private property could be a responsibility of private security. Councilmember Jensen said she wanted clarification about which entity had approved a recent gathering she referenced and emphasized that permitted gatherings must comply with existing noise ordinances. Councilmember Holland said he had discussed rising car and motorcycle noise complaints with Police Chief Bautista and indicated that calling 911 had not been an effective response for this type of complaint. The council did not record a formal directive or vote on enforcement at the May 6 meeting; members signaled interest in further discussion to identify workable solutions.