I would like to refute some of the information Bob Burns presented in his article regarding the nuisance ordinance as presented at the last Town Council meeting.

He quoted statements made by Christine McGinn. While factual, they were not completely true. She stated the renters responded to the Sheriff’s orders when called to the property. Yes, they complied for a while, then the sound level ramped back up again. She stated this ordinance was based on the complaints of one person who is no longer a resident. Again, only partially true. There were numerous neighbors who spoke at the meeting when the ordinance was passed. And the one neighbor still resides in Fountain Hills; he sold his home and moved to get away from the ongoing situation next door.

Those who spoke are not out to harass a neighbor or interfere with a one-time event. The neighbors are concerned with a home which hosts weddings and other events weekend after weekend. These are not neighbors holding a private function at their home. They have rented this property with the express purpose of using it as a wedding or event venue.

Saturday, a wedding was held yet again at the property. The music over an amplified sound system, complete with flashing lights, started around 3 p.m. and continued until after 10 p.m. It included a smoker attached to a truck parked in front of the house to cook for the guests.

Allowing use of a private residence in this manner is not fair to the legitimate businesses in town which must have licensing, health and safety inspections, etc. The Town has zoning ordinances in place restricting commercial uses of a private residence. Why aren’t they enforcing them?