As the Mifflin Street Block Party nears, city officials are working to ensure the safety of all its participants. While the party requires a plethora of preparation by students and city employees, balcony safety is among the more pressing issues that has gained the city's attention.
Approximately 100 buildings on the 400 and 500 blocks of West Mifflin Street and the surrounding areas were inspected, according to George Hank, City Housing Inspection supervisor.
Of all the balconies checked, only approximately 15 had significant problems, but Hank expects at least nine of the balconies in question will be repaired before the party. If a balcony does not meet the city's standards, partygoers will be permitted in the apartment, but the balcony will be off-limits.
To ensure the safety of those attending the block party May 1, police officers will be given a list of buildings whose balconies have been deemed unsafe. If the tenants of those apartments still have people on the balcony, they could potentially be charged with disorderly conduct.
Hank advised those hosting the party to use common sense.
\A roof is not a porch ... they are not designed to carry a load like that. They really should not be out there at all if it's not designed to be a porch and have guard rails around it, especially if you throw alcohol into that factor,"" he said.
City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said landlords were given due dates when the buildings were originally inspected earlier in April. Most due dates are prior to May 1, and the landlords will be fined if the problems are not remedied by the appropriate date.
""We have every hope and expectation that the repairs will be made in advance of the block party, so that residents can enjoy the use of their porches for the big day,"" he said.
Valerie Kurka, UW-Madison junior and resident of West Mifflin Street, recently had her apartment's second-floor balcony inspected. While she was not given any specific warnings or recommendations, her balcony was approved.
""[Inspections] are definitely necessary; I'm always scared because there are always tons of people out, and if something would happen that'd just be horrible,"" she said.
