Non-student residents living at Fairfield beach believe student residents are out of control once again.
A month ago, the Lantern Point injunction was established, prohibiting a gathering of more than 250 people on the Point at one time.
Yet fed-up residents say the injunction was not enough to curtail the noise and partying.
The Fairfield Beach Residents Association requested the police department “enforce ‘zero tolerance’ policies in the area,” meaning an arrest is made once a disturbance satisfies the legal threshold, and additional police patrol in order for parties to be shut down by 11 p.m., according to the Fairfield Minuteman.
Fairfield U. alumnus and member of the Fairfield Beach Residents Association, Jim Bremm, told the Minuteman he still “sees rowdy parties, vandalism and apparent drunk driving” at the beach.
However, Dean of Students Tom Pellegrino said that the beach situation is improving.
“The number of complaints received by my office has declined over the years. The beach is not the ‘phenomenon’ that it was back in the ’80s and ’90s, and that is a good thing,” said Pellegrino.
For the most part, “students take care of their property and the surrounding area; however, a few instances of littering or destructive behavior make everyone look bad,” he said.
Students hope that there is no need for parties to be shut down by 11 p.m. in the future.
“That is definitely a reason to transfer,” said Kristine Mackenzie ’08. “My curfew in high school was later that 11 p.m. and beach parties are usually over by midnight anyway.”
“I’d go back home to Oregon,” said Jeremy Reedal ’09.
Students have noticed beach improvements over the years, as well.
“Compared to the past few years the parties aren’t even close,” said Mike Chaconas ’06. “Some nights it seems like there’s nothing to do. It’s never been like that.”
“Fairfield students are more respectful than the residents give us credit for,” he added.
Beach resident Katie Casale ’06 agrees that parties are not “out of control.”
“The increased security and police presence makes [parties] seem like a bigger deal than they really are. I am positive Fairfield beach parties were far worse in the past,” said Casale.
Sophomore Dylan Grandossy said, “I haven’t been to a rowdy party at Fairfield yet.”
The beach situation has improved however there is always room for suggestions.
“A shuttle back and forth to the beach would reduce the number of kids just hanging around waiting for cabs. If the school facilitates student night-life it would be safer and less annoying to neighbors,” said Geoff Middleton ’08.
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