PALMYRA, New Jersey (KeynoteUSA) — Burlington County, New Jersey, commissioners, along with the sheriff and a state senator, sent a letter to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, asking the city to crack down on “booming car parties”.
“I think the quality of life initiatives that Mayor Parker has initiated are a natural extension of those initiatives and our hope is that, with a fresh set of eyes, we can work together to really put a stamp and put our firmness on these parties,” said New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton.
“It’s really ruining some of the quality of life that we all value both for my residents in Burlington County, but also for Camden County, Gloucester County and the residents of Northeast Philadelphia.”
Burlington County residents say the parties are held at locations along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The loud music then travels across the water and can be heard in cities like Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson and others.
Residents say they can’t sleep and sometimes their houses shake.
“It will wake you up from a deep sleep, but it’s just that constant bass,” Westville resident Jeff Stefan said of the loud Philadelphia parties that can be heard across the Delaware River.
“It’s not fair to us on this side of the river that we’re just trying to enjoy a nice summer night outside, or when the kids have school the next morning,” said Allison Fullerton of Riverton. “They can last between 20 minutes and two hours.”
Tom Bell, of Palmyra, says the music can be heard any time of the week, but it becomes really disturbing on the weekends.
“Even with the windows down and the air conditioning on, you can still hear the boom, boom, boom,” Bell said.
Philadelphia City Councilman Mike Driscoll is aware that some of these “boom car parties” are happening in his district. Last year, a city ordinance was passed allowing officers to impound vehicles or fine owners $2,000.
“I gave the Kenney administration and now the Parker administration a memorial ordinance that addresses this issue. Now it’s about enforcement. It’s 100% enforcement,” Driscoll said.
“I don’t want anyone to get a $2,000 fine or have their vehicle impounded, but that’s the only way to get their attention.”
Action News spoke with a man who equips so-called “boom cars.” Miguel Espinal said installation can cost between $20,000 and $80,000 depending on the car and the size of the speakers.
A lot of electrical work is also required.
Espinal says that after such a large financial investment, customers want to show off the work that has been done to their vehicle.
Another man said “boom car parties” are about building community and are often social gatherings for the Hispanic community.
“I’m looking for a place to play my music, celebrate with family, everything is a happy day,” said Juan Balaio.
The men say they even meet during the day to address complaints they have received and are looking for a place and time where they can enjoy their events without disturbing others.
“From 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm I don’t want to play music late. I want to play music early. I want one day a week, one day a week is fine. One day, Saturday or Sunday, and one hour, perfect for everyone,” Espinal said.
The men admit they are worried about their cars being impounded or fined.
“They are bothering people on this side of the river and that side of the river and this has to stop,” Driscoll said. “My promise is that we have already passed this ordinance and I will continue to ask the administration and the police commissioner to actually enforce the law that is on the books.”
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the mayor said Philadelphia always wants to be a good neighbor.
Philadelphia police also issued the following statement:
“The Philadelphia Police Department takes quality of life issues, including Boom Parties and Boom Cars, seriously and will continue to work to address these issues. Mayor Parker and Commissioner Bethel, who began their duties in January of this year, We are deeply committed to enforcing quality of life issues in our city, including issues affecting our friends and neighbors across the river. Under the leadership of PC Bethel, the PPD is using all. tools available to mitigate this problem, and our Commissioner is particularly dedicated to addressing quality of life concerns throughout the city. A collaboration between the Philadelphia Police Department, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the partners in charge. New Jersey law enforcement and elected officials in all affected communities has been in place for several years. The issue has impacted communities on both sides of the river, and the collaborative process has streamlined communication between enforcement entities. of law enforcement for a more timely response. This issue affects multiple venues in Philadelphia and several locations in New Jersey. In a commitment to addressing these quality of life issues, under the direction of Philadelphia Police leadership, dedicated resources (officers) are assigned with the specific mission of patrolling known chronic nuisance gathering locations and participating in enforcement efforts. the law against those involved in nuisance behavior. . These gatherings also attract a significant number of ATV or dirt bike activities that contribute to disruptive behaviors and quality of life issues. This factor contributes to a larger mobile nuisance problem, and we will be fluid in our response to areas as they arise. We encourage residents to continue calling their local district operations rooms and provide as much information as they can about the areas where they believe the noise is coming from. Our police precinct captains are dedicated to alleviating these issues, and under the leadership of Commissioner Bethel, we are working on new strategies to mitigate these issues. We recognize and understand the frustration residents are feeling and will continue to address this and other quality of life issues. “We look forward to providing long-awaited relief to community members, on both sides of the river, who are affected by this issue.”
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