Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMaking noise: Residents reflect on neighborhood tensions over Mayfest
Abstract:
Thirty years ago, Harry Lewis watched the elm trees canopying Lancaster Avenue wilt, yellow and die from Dutch elm disease. Fifteen years ago, a 135-mph wind blew through his neighborhood, sending a tree into his upstairs window. Lewis, who's lived at 935 Lancaster Ave....
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Layla
posted 4/20/09 @ 2:28 PM EST
I live in the Westcott area with my husband and baby, and don't hesitate to call the police when students get out of hand. A few months ago, we woke up and found several cars parked crazily on lawns and sidewalks in front of the house next-door. It was obviously the aftermath of a party, and visitors had just dropped their cars wherever. The reporting police officers did more than just write tickets. They hammered on the door, woke up the owners of all those cars (this was 7:00 in the morning), and made each of them move his/her car to a legal spot. That was very gratifying, and we didn't have to deal with cars on lawns or sidewalks for the rest of the semester.
Students: Just keep your booze, pot, music and garbage inside your home, park legally like everyone else, and we'll all get along just fine.
Homeowners: When things get ridiculous, just call the police. That's what they're there for.
Students: Just keep your booze, pot, music and garbage inside your home, park legally like everyone else, and we'll all get along just fine.
Homeowners: When things get ridiculous, just call the police. That's what they're there for.
Neal
posted 4/20/09 @ 3:17 PM EST
Layla, I don't necessarily agree with what you're presenting here. How about students and members of the off-campus community engaging with each other in a community instead of just keeping to themselves? Granted, students are lacking in respect for non-university residents but maybe there's something to be said for "you get in return what you give." I think that it's not only possible for these two factions to co-exist but to co-exist in a positive environment with mutual respect.
I think that by forming a positive and respectful based relationship with your student-neighbors you'll see students less likely to throw such rowdy parties because they'll respect you in return. Students are people too and not just ridiculous party animals with no respect for the people around them. I encourage you to address your issues with your neighbors rather than just call the police because that just further extends the divide between the university and the off-campus community.
I think that by forming a positive and respectful based relationship with your student-neighbors you'll see students less likely to throw such rowdy parties because they'll respect you in return. Students are people too and not just ridiculous party animals with no respect for the people around them. I encourage you to address your issues with your neighbors rather than just call the police because that just further extends the divide between the university and the off-campus community.
Kaylen Thorpe
posted 4/20/09 @ 5:37 PM EST
Face it, the opportunities to build such a sense of community are few and far between. The weather sucks most of the year and we hide inside...and during the summer when folks are out, most students aren't here. Plus we live in the area perhaps two years at most...not very long to meet the old folks and come to feel responsible for the place.
Still, that's no excuse for not being responsible for yourself and your house, and abiding the law...
Still, that's no excuse for not being responsible for yourself and your house, and abiding the law...
Retrovirus
posted 4/21/09 @ 11:32 AM EST
I'm 47 years old and have been a resident of the Westcott Nation for five years. I like living among students -- they're fun, interesting, and give the neighborhood some color. What I DON'T like is living among inconsiderate a-holes. I don't care if you're a student, or an old folk like me. If your car is blocking my driveway, or you're urinating on my lawn, or you're blaring music at 2:00 a.m., I'm not going to engage in a respectful community-building exercise. I'm calling the cops. Sorry.
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Jack
posted 4/20/09 @ 11:22 AM EST
wow... what the hell are they thinking...