Ordinance to curb late night disturbances

New rule holds landlords and underage drinkers responsible for rowdy gatherings

Alderman Robert Trane today praised passage of an ordinance that gives the City of Somerville renewed authority to directly hold absentee landlords responsible for late night parties and illegal drinking. Alderman Trane was the lead sponsor of the ordinance.

“The Board of Alderman have sent a clear message that Somerville values quality of life and will not allow underage booze bashes to undermine neighborhood peace and tranquility,” said Alderman Trane. “By imposing liability on absentee property owners and underage partiers, the Board of Alderman have taken a significant step toward curbing unruly gatherings on private property that lead to excessive noise, obstruction of public ways, public urination, and fighting.”

Somerville residents have long been plagued by a relatively small group of people who engage in late-night and early-morning parties in disregard of their neighbors’ quality of life. The newly enacted ordinance gives the City the ability to fine repeat offenders up top $300 per offense.