Madison Reporter

The city of Madison is prepared for the upcoming Mifflin Street Block Party, scheduled for this weekend. This annual event draws a large crowd to the 400 and 500 blocks of Mifflin Street, prompting months of coordinated efforts between Building Inspection, and the Fire and Police Departments to ensure safety.

Since February, building inspectors have carried out routine checks on properties, addressing issues like broken steps, unstable railings, and low-hanging wires. Inspections covered 58 properties, resulting in 26 notices for structural repairs and multiple clean-up requests to remove items such as sofas from porches. Currently, a few properties are yet to comply with these notices. Building Inspection Director Matt Tucker emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "I've said it before and I'll say it again, gravity doesn't selectively apply to those who create the problem. It's a long fall from 13, 14, 15 feet to the ground, and the likelihood of injury is high."

The Madison Fire Department is taking additional measures by deploying extra ambulances and a walking team to handle any medical emergencies. Preventative education and outreach were conducted by Code Enforcement Officers in anticipation of the event.

The Madison Police Department has assigned over 150 officers, including a Special Events Team skilled in crowd management, to oversee the event. Preparations included recent full team training. Officers will employ a variety of patrol methods and utilize a recently updated policy on intoxication – Amnesty Through Responsible Action – to encourage safe behavior. "Our main hope for Saturday is that people have fun and stay safe," said Madison Police Captain Kipp Hartman. "We know students are going to host these parties; we just hope that they will keep them manageable in size."

Police will engage with residents and property owners before the event to promote safety measures such as posting no-trespassing signs, relocating vehicles, and securing valuables. Additionally, a glass ban has been imposed for the occasion.

Authorities advise attendees to cooperate with first responders, avoid overcrowding on balconies and porches, refrain from climbing trees or poles, stay with companions, and seek assistance from officers if necessary.