Party plan quiets down campus area
Naitore Kiogora
Issue date: 10/17/05 Section: Campus News
Nearly four years after it became law, the Lexington Area Party Plan continues to govern the conduct and consequences of parties in the Lexington-Fayette County area.
The ordinance states that the plan is designed to decrease the number of disturbance complaints from citizens and that it will "benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the community."
Two alcohol-related deaths in the past two years have sparked police crackdowns on parties and returned attention to the party plan, but some students still feel slighted by the law.
"I understand the concern, but at the same time not all of us are excessively partying. Some of us are merely fellowshipping with peers in a mature and civilized manner and we are still going to receive the short end of the straw because of policy and regulation," said anthropology sophomore Marcus Richardson.
According to the ordinance, a residence can be considered a "no party property" if multiple disturbance complaints are reported to the police within one year.
Property owners and occupants are notified of this through a notice, as well as a copy of the provisions, and a sticker or similar document to remain visible during the period of time the property is considered a "no party property."
If a disturbance complaint is received while a residence is deemed a "no party property" the one-year prohibition will be renewed.
Tenants and properties can appeal the certification as a "no party property" by contacting the Commissioner of Public Safety in writing. Each appellant must show they understand the reason for their certification and promise that no further disturbance problems will occur. If the appeal is approved the "no party property" certification will be removed.
According to the ordinance, the fine for a first-time violation of the plan can be between $50 and $500. A second violation occurring within 12 months of the first violation will include a fine between $100 and $500. A third violation occurring within twelve months of the first and second violation will include a fine between $250 and $500.
Additionally, other consequences may be in store for violators. Some off campus apartments, such as Newtown Crossing, have party contracts or regulations tenants must adhere to.
University Commons apartments on Red Mile Road requires tenants to register parties of 10 or more guests with the main office and sign contracts accepting full responsibility for damage or complaints. Tenants must agree with party regulations, such as ending the party at 2 a.m., a one-keg limit and a maximum of 25 invited guests.
"The rules enforced at the Commons are fair for everyone because people who have to work or go to school shouldn't have to be woken up by music or parties," said business freshman Piere Davis.
At some locations, tenants are allowed to throw parties in their apartments but they do so at their own discretion.
"If they (tenants) have too many warnings, it's grounds for eviction," said Matt McKnight, assistant manager of The Meadows off Kirklevington Road.
Some apartments allow tenants to rent the properties clubhouse to host parties.
The Meadows apartments rents its clubhouse for $200, which includes a $100 deposit, a $50 rental fee and a $50 maintenance fee, McKnight said.
Secondary education junior Joe Latin said he would not consider renting the clubhouse "because they close too early."
Students who lease homes or condominiums, such as Campus Downs Condominiums off of Virginia Avenue, typically do not have property party regulations.
Council Member Dick Decamp who represents UK and the surrounding area on the Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Council, said there are currently no proposed revisions or additions to the party plan.
Despite the stiff fines, some students said they believe a good party is worth it.
"One night for my friends to enjoy themselves is very much worth it for me," Richardson said. "If I receive a citation and have to pay a fine then so be it."
E-mail news@kykernel.com
The ordinance states that the plan is designed to decrease the number of disturbance complaints from citizens and that it will "benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the community."
Two alcohol-related deaths in the past two years have sparked police crackdowns on parties and returned attention to the party plan, but some students still feel slighted by the law.
"I understand the concern, but at the same time not all of us are excessively partying. Some of us are merely fellowshipping with peers in a mature and civilized manner and we are still going to receive the short end of the straw because of policy and regulation," said anthropology sophomore Marcus Richardson.
According to the ordinance, a residence can be considered a "no party property" if multiple disturbance complaints are reported to the police within one year.
Property owners and occupants are notified of this through a notice, as well as a copy of the provisions, and a sticker or similar document to remain visible during the period of time the property is considered a "no party property."
If a disturbance complaint is received while a residence is deemed a "no party property" the one-year prohibition will be renewed.
Tenants and properties can appeal the certification as a "no party property" by contacting the Commissioner of Public Safety in writing. Each appellant must show they understand the reason for their certification and promise that no further disturbance problems will occur. If the appeal is approved the "no party property" certification will be removed.
According to the ordinance, the fine for a first-time violation of the plan can be between $50 and $500. A second violation occurring within 12 months of the first violation will include a fine between $100 and $500. A third violation occurring within twelve months of the first and second violation will include a fine between $250 and $500.
Additionally, other consequences may be in store for violators. Some off campus apartments, such as Newtown Crossing, have party contracts or regulations tenants must adhere to.
University Commons apartments on Red Mile Road requires tenants to register parties of 10 or more guests with the main office and sign contracts accepting full responsibility for damage or complaints. Tenants must agree with party regulations, such as ending the party at 2 a.m., a one-keg limit and a maximum of 25 invited guests.
"The rules enforced at the Commons are fair for everyone because people who have to work or go to school shouldn't have to be woken up by music or parties," said business freshman Piere Davis.
At some locations, tenants are allowed to throw parties in their apartments but they do so at their own discretion.
"If they (tenants) have too many warnings, it's grounds for eviction," said Matt McKnight, assistant manager of The Meadows off Kirklevington Road.
Some apartments allow tenants to rent the properties clubhouse to host parties.
The Meadows apartments rents its clubhouse for $200, which includes a $100 deposit, a $50 rental fee and a $50 maintenance fee, McKnight said.
Secondary education junior Joe Latin said he would not consider renting the clubhouse "because they close too early."
Students who lease homes or condominiums, such as Campus Downs Condominiums off of Virginia Avenue, typically do not have property party regulations.
Council Member Dick Decamp who represents UK and the surrounding area on the Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Council, said there are currently no proposed revisions or additions to the party plan.
Despite the stiff fines, some students said they believe a good party is worth it.
"One night for my friends to enjoy themselves is very much worth it for me," Richardson said. "If I receive a citation and have to pay a fine then so be it."
E-mail news@kykernel.com