MADISON, Wis. -- Plans are in the works for the annual Mifflin Street Block Party on May 3.

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In light of recent crime in that neighborhood, some residents and police have been preparing for the event together, WISC-TV reported.

"I hope this year will be just as great," said Mark Bednar, a Mifflin Street resident.

Bednar said that he's looking forward to the annual party, but said he also has safety on his mind because of the recent crime.

"My roommate's laptop and then a few houses down she had a purse taken, but it was a very wham-bam situation in which we were all just kind of blindsided by it," he said.

Bednar said he feels neighbors watching out for one another and the heavy police presence will be enough to deter crime.

Still, other students said that they believe the police spend too much time focusing on the party.

"We're all going to be locking our doors when we leave the house," said resident Tom Wanguard. "But I think it's a call for the police to focus on the actual crime rather than focusing on shutting down house parties or bands that are playing in the street."

Wanguard started a petition that asks city officials to disband the noise ordinance from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 3.

Common Council President Mike Verveer said that he believes that would work.

"It's my take that on this one day of the year there should be amnesty for a couple of hours at this annual event," said Verveer.

Verveer said he thinks the recent slaying of University of Wisconsin student Brittany Zimmerman near Mifflin shouldn't stop students from coming to the block party.

"I really am very confidant that this event is going to be violent-free, and that yeah, some students are on edge, but the reality is students are acting as if life goes on and the party will continue as it has been a party for almost 40 years," said Verveer.

Officials said that there will be a public safety meeting on April 29 to discuss the annual block party. Police and city officials will then meet with residents to talk about precautions during that time, and update them on any changes in event rules and the ticketing policy.