Reading residents urge City Council to address loud music and noise disturbances

A Reading couple wants city officials to take stronger action against neighbors who play music and make noise late into the night.

City Council at its regular meeting Monday heard the complaints of Brenda and Gaspar Gonzales.

The couple, who have lived in the 700 block of North 12th Street for decades, said loud weekend gatherings have become a persistent problem with music and partying on Friday and Saturday nights often continuing until 2 a.m. or later.

“The past five years, my husband and I have dealt every weekend with loud music being played,” Brenda Gonzales told council during the public comment period. “We’ve called the cops numerous times.”

Her husband said the partying neighbors get angry when the police are called and taunt the couple, saying, “If you don’t like the noise, move out of the block.”

The situation has changed since his youth in Reading, when, he said, “everything was nice, good.”

The couple said the disturbances prevent their family from getting adequate rest, especially their daughter-in-law who lives with them and works second shift.

Council members expressed sympathy for the family and acknowledged noise complaints are a recurring concern throughout the city.

Councilman Rafael Nunez said enforcement is difficult because offenders often lower the volume when police arrive, then raise it again once the officers leave the scene.

“We need to do something,” he said. “Can we talk to the chief to enforce this?”

Among other things, the city’s existing noise ordinance prohibits the operating of music players, vehicle stereos, televisions, musical instruments and other devices, as well as loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing, in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a property line or audible on a public street for a distance of 50 feet from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Violators can be subject to a fine not less than $25 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.

Nunez said he would like to see the fine increased to a minimum of $1,000.

The city’s limited police staffing complicates enforcement, Councilman Jamie Baez Jr. said. At 250 officers, he said, the police force is 25 officers short of a full staff of 275.

Baez described a recent incident in his neighborhood where a single officer responded to complaints about loud music and other noise from a sidewalk party of about 30 people.

“I don’t think just one officer should come out,” he said.

An officer can be placed in danger when responding alone in such a situation, he said.

The officer was able to diffuse the situation while remaining safely in the police vehicle, Baez said, but the next weekend a large group was again partying at the same location.

Baez and other council members also pointed to broader issues, including officer recruitment and retention.

“It’s incumbent for us as council to be able to find a way as legislators to be able to staff these positions and help the administration in staffing them,” he said, “but also making sure that we retain our officers by making sure that we’re paying them a decent amount.”

Council President Donna Reed agreed but stressed the need for personal responsibility.

“Why should somebody have to live like that?” she asked, referring to the Gonzales family’s situation. “We have the (noise) ordinance. We can beef that up.”

But the bottom line, Reed said, is using common sense and having courtesy toward one’s neighbors.

“OK, have a party,” she said. “That’s great. Everybody wants to celebrate. But for goodness’ sake, it doesn’t take much to be a decent human being.”

Nunez praised the city’s police officers for doing their best under difficult circumstances.

He also urged more community education on noise regulations. Education on common courtesy and being a good neighbor is needed, too, he said, noting that begins in the home.

Other council members, including Councilwomen Melissa Ventura and Vanessa Campos, echoed concerns about some residents lacking respect for their neighbors and the strain placed on police.

Council asked the city’s legal staff to look into what action might be taken to strengthen the existing nuisance laws.