Mansfield Passes Nuisance Ordinance

Residents in Storrs-Mansfield are looking forward to some peace and quiet.

Soon, police and Town officials – to be designated by Town Manager Matthew Hart - will be able to write citations against individuals that generate neighborhood nuisances when a new ordinance – passed Monday at a Town Council meeting – takes effect.

While many consider Mansfield a quiet town, some residents say there are areas – usually populated by college students – with a history of nuisance activity.

Violations will now carry a fine of $250 to be paid within 30 days of its issuance.

The ordinance will also give the Town the authority to fine landlords when tenants or guests on their property are repeat offenders.

It is expected to be in place before the end of August.

According to a June 27 draft of the ordinance, Mansfield’s amended definition of a “nuisance” is as follows:

Any behavior which substantially interferes with the comfort or safety of other residents or occupants of the same or nearby buildings or structures. Conduct of a person or persons on any premises in a manner which is a violation of law, or which creates a disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property may constitute a nuisance. Such behavior includes disorderly, indecent, tumultuous or riotous conduct. Unlawful conduct includes, but is not limited to, individually or in combination with other misbehavior, excessive pedestrian and vehicular traffic, obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles, illegal parking, the service of alcohol to underage persons, underage drinking, fights, creating a public disturbance, breach of the peace, trespassing, disorderly conduct, littering, simple assault, threatening, harassment, illegal burning or use of fireworks, urinating or defecating in public, lewdness, criminal mischief, crimes against property, or excessive noise.

The ordinance was reviewed by the Quality of Life Committee and Ordinance Development and Review Subcommittee, and approved by Town Attorney Dennis O’Brien, the Attorney General’s Office and Connecticut State Police.