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I haven't researched the positions, so what I offer are opinions, not arguments:
When I applied to Georgetown 16 years ago, part of the appeal was being able to live my adult life as an adult. Instead of being forced to live in impersonal rooming houses with communal bathrooms, I could choose to live where I wanted. I was able to choose to live near the city bus to my downtown job. I could choose a place where I could cook my own meals, and eat them at a proper table instead of a school lunchroom. I could choose a place with parking for out-of-town guests. I could choose a place to allow me to feel like a full-fledged DC resident who happens to also be a student, rather than a student who happens to live in DC. While I personally was able to find what I wanted in a campus apartment, others were not. I had friends who opted to live in Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom and the farther ends of Glover Park, as well as the usual Prospect Street and Burleith areas. Why do you want to deny future students the unique experiences they can have living off-campus by forcing them into traditional housing? Why not accept the students (as a group) as neighbors, and hold the nuisances accountable as individuals? Do neighbors really not remember that they were young once? I live in Bloomingdale now, and frequently see neighbors who are Howard students and Catholic students--both undergrads and grads. In general, they make the neighborhood more interesting. In some specific instances, I've had to set clear expectations, explain my rights and even threaten to call the police. I don't blame that on the neighbors being students--I blame that on them being poor neighbors. Eventually, they improve or move away.

by Dina on Jan 18, 2011 12:29 pm • link • report