AGENDA #5b
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition regarding Enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws
DATE: March 6, 2006
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to a request for information regarding a sign displaying the message, “You Honk, We Drink” in the Pine Knolls Area.
Tenants occupying the properties at 719 and 721 South Merritt Mill Road frequently host parties during University of North Carolina sporting events. These gatherings often result in a large number of guests in the yards between the two properties. Several times in recent months, the tenants have displayed a sign that reads “You Honk, We Drink.” Long-time residents of the Pine Knolls Community have expressed concern that these conditions set a negative example for the community. There is also concern that the display of the sign contributes to increased noise from motorists, who respond by honking their vehicle’s horns. Finally, concerned residents feel that the presence of the sign and its associated behaviors negatively impact the quality of life in the community.
DISCUSSION
Last fall, the Chapel Hill Police Department’s Community Services Unit coordinated the second annual Good Neighbor Initiative. The goal of the program is to inform new residents of the Pine Knolls community of their potential impact on long-time residents.
The Good Neighbor Initiative is a joint effort between EmPowerment Inc., the University of North Carolina Dean of Students office, and the Chapel Hill Police Department. Officers participating in the campaign met with the residents at 719 and 721 South Merritt Mill Road in September 2005. The residents were counseled that while their activity was not criminal, their actions were upsetting to long-time residents of the area.
Police Department officials have worked with the property management company to address the matter. The property management company has been in contact with the residents. Currently, there are no federal, State, or local ordinances that prohibit the display of the sign. Also there was no indication that underage people were being served alcohol at any of the gatherings. When the sign was up, some motorists did honk, which was in violation of State statute concerning unnecessary use of a horn.
Recently, the Police Department’s Alcohol Liaison Officer again met with the residents who were continuing to display the sign on South Merritt Mill Road. The residents expressed their desire to be good neighbors and have assured us that they will no longer display the sign.
The Police Department will continue to monitor the situation. We believe that our outreach efforts, coupled with continued communication with the property management company and the residents will result in the successful resolution of this matter.