Recently, the city and university community have dealt with a rising tide of noise complaints in the neighborhoods during August and September.

Accompanying the news stories regarding these complaints were polarizing statements coming from long-term and short-term residents, which created the perception that the issue is one of “us-against-them.”

All of our citizens have important problems to solve together, one of which is excessive noise in our neighborhoods. By “noise,” I mean activity that invades the privacy of others and exemplifies rudeness or an uncaring attitude. Individuals violate our noise ordinance, not stereotypes. And it’s important to note that students file complaints about noise more than anyone else.

So what are we doing about the noise issue?

Our police department utilizes individual officer discretion when dealing with noise. Our community ordinances seek to develop structures that encourage respect for one another.

One mechanism that helps accomplish this aim is the Community Relations Coalition, which teams students and permanent residents living in the neighborhoods to work on improving communication.

No one who lives in a neighborhood dominated by citizens who are 18-24 years old expects silence. What they do expect is respect and consideration.

Noise is not a student or a nonstudent issue. Let’s all stay focused on solving noise problems and leave the blame and recriminations behind.

Mark S. Meadows
East Lansing mayor