Hello Altoona! Did you see the front page of the Altoona Mirror Sunday? City Council is considering an ordinance that would restrict the number of homes that are allowed to be occupied by multiple students in any given section of the City. (Click here to view the article.)
On one side of the issue is the concern that some student homes can degrade neighborhoods and cause problems for neighbors. On the other side of the issue are concerns of limiting investment in the City or forcing the student homes to spread farther into outlying neighborhoods (because the ordinance would limit the density of these rentals in any given area of town). Personally (as always) I am concerned with limiting investment or limiting rights of property owners, but I also believe the quality of our neighborhoods is enormously important. What are your thoughts? Click here to comment or to view comments.
- Matt
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3 comments:
I think there should be a limit in each neighborhood. When you get too many, they get rowdy and out of control. There needs to be something done. It is a shame that a few ruin it for everyone though.
I think that if you vote for any ordinance that forces more government regulations on property owners and their right as taxpayers to make an honest dollar then you are voting for something that violates the Constitution. There are already laws, regulations and ordinances on the books that resolve the problems in Juniata. Insist that these are enforced instead.
VIVA LIBERTY
I'm a few months behind on this issue, so I'd be curious to hear what the city council actually decided. I can see both sides of the issue, but I think it is important to keep in mind that the college carries enormous economic potential for the city. I don't think that means residents should have to put up with lawlessness, but I would hope that the city leaders keep an open and honest dialogue going with campus officials.
Furthermore, the article mentions that a few bad apple students ruin the reputation of the student body. This is almost definitely true, but lets also remember that in Altoona, a few crabby old cranks can ruin the good name of a sensible and tolerant community (i.e. street trees, recycling, etc)
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