Madison police discussed expanding the range of police presence during May’s Mifflin Street Block party at a neighborhood meeting Thursday as part of a security plan that remains tentative until student leaders release final details for a university event scheduled the same day.
Based on students’ reaction to increased police enforcement at last year’s block party, police expect house parties to occur in neighborhoods beyond Mifflin, according to Madison Police Department Central District Patrol Lieutenant Kelly Donahue. Because of this, Donahue said MPD may need to patrol a wider range of streets May 4.
“My biggest concern is that it creates a situation that is more difficult for us to police and maintain safety,” she said.
Donahue also said Mifflin Street will remain open to traffic with staffing similar to previous years.
Additionally, Mifflin District Chair Larry Warman said he hopes the police will work with residents and landlords to post no trespassing signs on Mifflin Street property.
According to Donahue, MPD is waiting until plans for a university-sponsored event, also scheduled for May 4, are confirmed to fully prepare for the Mifflin Street Block Party.
Student leaders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have been planning a university-wide music and arts festival, called “Revelry,” to be held near Union South. “Revelry” will be a similar end-of-the-year celebration with a headlining band and alcohol sales to patrons over 21. The event may be ticketed.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said with university support police could close Randall Avenue to traffic to connect Union South and Engineering Mall for the outdoor concert event.
“I think it’s really awesome that students have come together to provide a music festival for fellow students on a weekend that is traditionally known for partying and relaxing before final exams, papers and projects,” Verveer said.
Verveer said since live performances have been a large part of the Mifflin Street Block Party in the past, the university event could be popular among students. He added there were no live performances last year because police did not issue permits for the event, a practice police will continue this year.
Correction: The original article said the Associated Students of Madison were working on the event. While ASM members endorsed the event, other groups around campus have also been involved in the planning process. We regret the error.
