San Juan mayor proposes higher fines, other changes to address noise & unclean public spaces

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo

By THE STAR STAFF

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo presented a draft ordinance on Tuesday to amend the municipality’s Public Order Code, in order to strengthen enforcement related to unnecessary noise, waste management and the proper use of public spaces.

“These amendments allow us to better respond to the needs of our communities, without losing sight of the balance that must always exist between economic activity and civic coexistence,” Romero Lugo said in a written statement.

The mayor said the measure seeks to more efficiently address complaints that affect the quality of life of residents, particularly those related to excessive noise, the cleanliness of public areas, and the proper disposal of garbage.

Among the proposed changes is allowing law enforcement officers to determine whether noise measurements will be taken from the source of the sound or from where it is perceived by residents, as well as an increase in fines for violations related to waste management and the care of public spaces.

Romero Lugo maintained that the objective of the measure is not only to impose fines, but also to promote shared responsibility among residents, businesses and visitors to protect public health, maintain cleanliness and enhance coexistence in the Capital City.