News from the International Town & Gown Association

HOUSING & PLANNING

Williamsburg and William & Mary Work on Issues of Students Living Off-Campus
WILLIAMSBURG, VA - The editors of the Daily Press of Williamsburg provide their take on needed solutions from problems occurring from The College of William and Mary students moving off-campus and into the Williamsburg community. "The solution will be found in a spirit of respect, responsibility and a shared search for accommodations that serve the interests of all parties: the college and its students, the town and its property owners (including homeowners and owners of rental property). The challenge arises out of the inability of William and Mary's town-bound campus to accommodate all its undergraduates." The editorial goes on to discuss occupancy limits, student information relayed to the town, on-campus punishment for off-campus actions, and improved open, positive dialogue between all interested parties.

Alexander Ely of the College of William & Mary Student Newspaper, The Flat Hat, provides his response to the status of Williamsburg's existing three-person housing rule and the lack of success of students to change the rule. Ely furthers his thoughts beyond the housing rule and discusses student information, student discipline and the power of the student vote during local elections.

Eviction of Student for Occupancy Violation Brings SGA Action

AMHERST, MA - The Valley Advocate news reports on a recent eviction by the Town of Amherst of a student who was found to be in violation of Amherst's by-law prohibiting more than four unrelated people from living in one house. Noise and parking complaints to the town led to the finding of the occupancy violation. UMass's Student Government Association representatives plan to address Amherst's town meeting asking for the by-law to be overturned by the governing body. The students argue that though the by-law may have been found to be constitutional, the selective enforcement of the by-law toward students may not be.

Citizens' Group Works to Limit University's Growth Plans
MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Baristanet web blog announces the creation of the Tri-town Citizens Coalition along with its petition to Montclair State University to cap enrollment at current levels. According to the blog, recent and future enrollment increases over the current enrollment of 17,475, has led to or will lead to issues with increased traffic, parking, loss of tax-paying, properties and ultimately increased taxes for citizens and businesses. Citizens creating the group reside in neighborhoods adjacent the University in the towns of Montclair, Little Falls and Clifton.

Party Used as a Tool to Bring West End's 'Town and Gown' Together
LINCOLN, UK - The Lincolnshire Echo news reports that a new effort is underway to introduce college students with town residents in Lincoln, UK. A city sponsored gala, but with the support and cooperation of The University of Lincoln and the Students' Union will be held encourage residents and students to set aside differences and get to know each other a little better, an event for community cohesion.