We who live in close proximity to the new Zebulon Community Center are happy to have the facility but are in askance over noise level policies. During those "weekend parties" you mentioned, the peace was shattered by the booming bass coming out of the armory, making normal life within our homes difficult and sleep impossible.

South Arendell Avenue was left littered with beer and liquor bottles, even as the on street parking of party goers made getting in and out of our houses a challenge. I complained to the police chief and initially there was a positive response. This promise however was quickly eclipsed when off-duty Zebulon officers were hired ostensibly to keep order. In fact, they served more to protect the party-goers.

The din was clearly in violation of the town's ordinance, which the chief had provided me a copy of. However, when I complained to these officers about the noise, as per the chief's instruction, I was ordered to leave the premises. The routine for these weekends was a continual calling of 911, the only way we could contact the Zebulon police department after normal working hours. These complaints, in the main, were never acted upon. Responding officers on duty would simply say "it will be over by midnight" and let it go at that.

Often it would continue into the early morning hours. This was, and is, unacceptable. There are families with young children living here as well as citizens that have to work on weekends. Both need and are entitled to their rest.

I hope that the town has a better plan this time around.

Michael Craig

Zebulon