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May 30-June 5, 2002 political notebook College Down
A bill that is expected to be up for vote May 30 in City Council could limit a certain amount of freedom for college students. The bill, known as the “Education Housing Bill,” was developed by 4th District Councilman Michael Nutter and requires that universities assure that students living off-campus behave responsibly. If passed, the new law would require students who are 23 or younger to inform their landlord that they are students and to provide address information to the university. Nutter's bill, however, only applies to the higher-education institutions in his district, which encompasses Overbrook, Overbrook Farms, Wynnefield, Roxborough, West Philly, East Falls and Allegheny West. St. Joseph's University, at 54th Street and City Avenue, would bear the brunt of the new law. Other colleges involved include Philadelphia University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Nutter's bill was prompted by complaints from neighborhood residents who live near off-campus housing. Parties were often loud and obnoxious, according to the community complaints. Beer cans, foul language, illegally parked cars and urinating on homeowners' lawns became a problem. Nutter's chief of staff, Julia Chapman, said that the bill is not anti-student and is directed at nuisance students. "St. Joe's over-enrolled, and there are many students living off-campus. Sometimes their lifestyles and behavior don't mix with the neighborhood," she said. St. Joe's supports the bill. Rob Skomorucha, assistant vice president of government and community relations for the university, said that the school has been more responsive to the community since personnel changes last year. "St. Joe's has enjoyed slow and steady growth, and more students living off-campus," said Skomorucha. "There is a high density of housing in the desirable areas around North 63rd Street. We heard concerns of drinking and absent landlords, and the biggest concern was students parking in the neighborhood." Currently, freshmen at St. Joe's are not allowed to have cars. Next year, the rule will extend to sophomores. Older students who have cars must register with the school, and cars will be regulated so parking will not cause congestion. Skomorucha said that most students have been responsive to the new rules. "There are knuckleheads who don't get it and who run afoul of the city laws and university rules," he said. He cited the penalties for drinking and drug abuse, which results in dismissal. "We are not trying to put the onus on landlords," he said, "or to violate the Fair Housing Act. We have been working with them and the students." However, there are those who ask why all students should be punished for a few bad eggs. One council aide who asked not to be identified said that nuisance laws are already in place and that students should not be unfairly subjected to extra laws. How will this bill affect the new PhilaCity student retention program? The concept of PhilaCity, a public and privately funded program, began in October with state Sen. Vincent Fumo and the city's commerce director, James Cuorato, to keep college students from relocating after graduation. Philadelphia is one of the largest college towns, with several universities and more than 250,000 students. Fumo provided seed money of $45,000 and Cuorato kicked in $20,000 of city money. But will potential students want to come to a city that has such strict campus rules? Skomorucha said that he wouldn't be surprised if Nutter's bill became a "model for all nations." Gary Tuma, spokesman for Fumo, said that the senator did not find the bill unconstitutional, "as long as it regulates all students and is applied uniformly." "However, Senator Fumo has not read Councilman Nutter's bill, so he cannot comment on specifics," he added. Cuorato said he would reserve comment until he also saw the bill. "However, the city will do everything it can to encourage Philadelphia's reputation as a college town and to engage students," he said. "We seek to retain students, but we should not be opposed to retaining residents," said Chapman. Bill Deane, of the management department at Drexel University's business college, is a board member for PhilaCity. Deane says that Nutter's bill is unconstitutional. "It's like when the Jews were registered -- now it's about registering college students," he said. "The law department worked on the legislation, and it is constitutional," said Chapman. June 2 is National Cancer Survivors Day, and there have been events around town commemorating it. Deputy City Representative Bonnie Grant celebrated her victory of beating breast cancer recently by hosting a “Survivor Party” at the new theater space Triangle Theater in Northern Liberties. Guests were encouraged to wear animal prints, and proceeds went to benefit The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, which helps people with cancer and their families by providing a support network. On May 31, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia will host its fourth annual Celebration of Hope, a daylong program of workshops and lectures culminating in an evening gala with honorary chair and breast cancer survivor Tracey Birnhak Katz. For more information call 215-879-7733. | ||||||||||||||||||
