As the Mifflin Street Block Party draws closer and student excitement increases, city officials are seeking ways to enforce safety guidelines at the annual event.
The Madison Police Department plans to boost the number of informational signs displayed in the Mifflin area.
According to MPD Cpt. Mary Schauf, the increased signage is part of an effort to help people understand the rules are not gone. She said street parking is prohibited and meters will be covered with signs detailing proper conduct.
Many city officials attributed criminal incidents at the block party to general ignorance, and MPD urges attendees to follow lawful procedure.
Schauf said one of the most notable rules to follow is that students must obtain a permit if they plan to host a party. She stressed students should use caution with open containers because they are forbidden in the street. Glass bottles are outlawed completely.
""If you are going to leave, leave the beverage,"" she said.
The MPD is also working toward bringing a sponsor to the event.
According to Schauf, sponsorship would contribute significantly to Mifflin's success. A sponsor's support would be seen in various aspects of the event, including a potential increase in the number of public facilities. This increase would decrease public urination arrests, she said.
MPD said they want to ""keep a lid on"" more violent crimes during the event. Due to the older housing on Mifflin, other concerns include structural building failure and house fires.
Although planning for the event is still underway, Schauf stressed the need for safety.
She said the MPD is ""still kind of on the fly"" to find better ways of maintaining a safe atmosphere at the block party.
""I'd prefer it was a block party, with [only] Mifflin [residents] and their guests,"" Schauf said.
The safety and success of the event depends on a community effort, but Schauf reiterated to partygoers to have fun, but follow the rules.
