LIVE @ Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) Meeting 05/23/19

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: Noise Ordinance Overhaul and Police Transparency Under Discussion

On May 23, 2019, the Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) convened to discuss significant updates regarding the city's noise ordinance and transparency surrounding police data. The meeting, attended by committee members, city staff, and concerned residents, focused on modernizing the current noise regulations and addressing concerns about police accountability.

A Major Shift in Noise Regulations is on the Horizon: A central focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review and potential overhaul of Asheville’s noise ordinance. Currently, enforcement relies on a subjective "reasonable person" standard, which has proven difficult for police to consistently apply. The committee acknowledged this challenge and expressed support for a "complete overhaul" aimed at creating an ordinance with more objective, measurable criteria – potentially utilizing decibel levels. Staff presented data indicating roughly 1,000 noise complaints annually, with police issuing citations in only a small fraction of those cases. Discussions centered on addressing noise from various sources, including construction, traffic, industrial equipment, music venues, barking dogs, trash collection (particularly early morning hours), and even fireworks. The committee highlighted the importance of balancing resident needs with those of local businesses, ensuring fairness and equity in any revised regulations. A draft ordinance is tentatively slated for consideration in September, though staff noted this timeline is ambitious.

Community Voices Heard: Surveys, Apps & Concerns About Police Data: Throughout the meeting, staff detailed extensive community engagement efforts to gather input on potential changes. This included online and paper surveys, a partnership with Boston University utilizing a "Noise Score" app, focus group meetings, and outreach to neighborhood associations and business groups. Residents actively participated, sharing their experiences and concerns. Mike Lewis emphasized the importance of neighborly communication in resolving noise issues, while Kim Roney highlighted the impact of noise on pedestrians and the need to consider diverse musical preferences. A particularly poignant moment came from Brandon Dickinson, a former Asheville police officer who shared his experiences with unfair targeting in urban communities and advocated for improved community relations within the APD. Citizen Patrick Cohn raised a critical point regarding police transparency, expressing concern over the discontinuation of reports detailing APD traffic stop data and advocating for its reinstatement to ensure accountability. Kimarnia also voiced frustration regarding delays in finalizing written consent policies.

What's Next? Action Items & Future Steps: The PSC meeting concluded with several key action items. City staff will continue their community engagement efforts, specifically targeting underrepresented communities to ensure broad participation in the noise ordinance review. They will then compile findings, develop draft recommendations, and share them with stakeholders for feedback before drafting a potential ordinance. Following up on citizen concerns, the committee encouraged APD to reinstate detailed traffic stop data reporting and will monitor progress on finalizing pending written consent policies.

Why This Matters to You: The potential overhaul of the noise ordinance promises a more equitable and enforceable system for managing noise complaints throughout Asheville. The discussions surrounding police data transparency underscore the city's commitment to accountability and building trust between law enforcement and the community. These ongoing efforts will directly impact residents' quality of life, ensuring a more peaceful and equitable city for everyone. Keep an eye out for opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed noise ordinance as it develops, and stay informed about updates regarding police data reporting.

This recap aims to provide a clear understanding of the PSC meeting and its potential impact on Asheville residents.