City officials anticipate a different pre-finals celebration this year as they expect the Mifflin Street Block Party to fade further into the past.
Issues surrounding the block party became severe in 2011 when Madison police recorded two stabbings and several other dangerous incidents including police injuries, according to the Isthmus.
Madison Police Department Sgt. Sarah Shimko said police took special measures after the 2011 block party took place.
“It’s been pretty well-known in terms of what we’ve done,” Shimko said. “We’ve cordoned off streets and made rules and contacts with numerous students in the housing over there.”
In 2012, police implemented the House Party Protection Plan, which allowed residents on Mifflin Street to register with and accept police assistance in case a house party became too dangerous for a resident to handle.
Shimko said during this time of year, police “remind [residents] of what the expectations are based on city ordinances and laws” for Mifflin Street.
Shimko said she was not involved in the formal operations planning for this year’s celebration but did not consider the block party to be an event.
Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said the Madison Police Department plans to manage student activity with more patrolling officers throughout the city.
“During this time of year, we do send out additional officers to cover these peak times. This is budgeted for every year,” Resnick said. “I am confident there will be the necessary number of officers to make sure that everybody is safe for this weekend.”
Last year’s weekend before final exams resulted in a more dispersed celebration without as much concentration on Mifflin Street. Resnick said Madison had “a relatively safe weekend last year.”
In response to how he believes this year will turn out, Resnick said, “It’s hard to say, but we will not see the crowds or the traditional issues related to the Mifflin Street Block Party.”
Despite the fact that the Mifflin Street Block Party is no longer a formal event, city officials still anticipate an entertaining weekend for students.
“I hope students do enjoy this last time before finals and do it responsibly,” Resnick said.
