Brookside Ave Night Parties:

Why this matters

Residents have reported amplified music, large crowds, and vehicles narrowing the roadway. This is more than a nuisance—it can delay fire/EMS response and violates both Village of Menands Noise Code (Ch. 75) and Vehicles & Traffic (Ch. 160), along with NYS Penal Law §240.20 (Disorderly Conduct) and Vehicle & Traffic Law §1202.

The legal levers (plain English)

• Village Noise Code (Ch. 75): Bans “unreasonably loud” noise; forbids unpermitted loudspeakers; places a duty on owners/hosts to limit noise and disperse crowds; and bars party/music noise audible inside any residence 9 p.m.–7 a.m. Available at ecode360.com/8399000 (subject to access restrictions).
• Village Vehicles & Traffic (Ch. 160): Prohibits obstructing traffic; sets a local hydrant clearance of 10 ft (this needs verification); and designates certain streets as main arteries. Available at ecode360.com/8400401 (subject to access restrictions).
• NYS Penal Law §240.20: Enables charges for unreasonable noise, obstructing traffic or refusal to disperse. PEN §240.20
• NYS VTL §1202(b): Defaults to 15 ft from hydrants (unless a different distance is indicated by signs/markings; subdivision (b)(2) also recognizes distances via local law). VTL §1202
• Albany County Social Host Law (Ch. 106): If minors are present with alcohol, the person in control of the premises can be cited. Albany County Ch. 106

Exactly what to do (step-by-step)

1. Call in the moment.
   • 911 for emergencies (fights, medical issues, road fully blocked).
   • Menands PD (non-emergency): (518) 463-1681. (Visit MPD Contact)
2. Use this call script:
   “We’re on Brookside Ave. Amplified music is audible inside our home after 9 p.m., and cars are obstructing traffic/near hydrants. Please enforce Village Code §75 and §160; hydrants fall under VTL §1202(b) and local Village code.”
3. Capture evidence (safely):
   • 15–30 sec inside-home video capturing music after 9 p.m.
   • Photos of lane narrowing/blockage and hydrant distance (wide shots help).
   • Timestamp, cross-street, and plate numbers (only if safe).

   Note: The Noise Code uses a “reasonable person” standard; you do not need a decibel meter.

4. If officers didn’t witness it: Ask to sign a complainant accusatory instrument for Village Court (per Village Code enforcement procedures).
5. For recurring addresses:
   • Email PD requesting directed patrols on peak nights; attach clips. (MPD Contact)
   • FOIL the CAD/incident numbers to build a record (see FOIL notes below).
   • Ask the Board to post alternate-side/controlled parking on problem streets (discuss at public Board meetings).

Potential Policy fix to request

• If residents are in Favor – request alternate-side/controlled parking for Brookside & Lyons to enable clear ticket/tow authority.
• Continue directed patrols during expected party windows.

Key phone number

Menands Police Department (non-emergency): (518) 463-1681 (contact page)

References

1. Village of Menands. (2025). Code Ch. 75 — Noise. Available at ecode360.com/8399000 (access restrictions may apply)
2. Village of Menands. (2025). Code Ch. 160 — Vehicles & Traffic. Available at ecode360.com/8400401 (access restrictions may apply)
3. New York State Senate. (n.d.). Penal Law §240.20 — Disorderly conduct. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/240.20
4. New York State Senate. (n.d.). Vehicle & Traffic Law §1202 — Stopping, standing, parking. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1202
5. Albany County. (n.d.). Ch. 106 — Alcohol & Controlled Substances (Social Host). https://ecode360.com/34959465
6. Village of Menands. Board minutes (for policy discussions). Visit https://menandsny.gov/ for current meeting information
7. Committee on Open Government. (n.d.). Explanation of time limits for response. https://opengovernment.ny.gov/explanation-time-limits-response
8. Menands Police Department. (n.d.). Contact. https://menandsny.gov/departments/police/