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As I am continuously finding out, the wonderful thing about studying urban planning is to see the issues we study about simultaneously playing around in our community. We have been studying effect of zoning ordinances in our Housing and Community class and were handed a live case study to analyze. The fact that I could be affected by it (I almost was) is an added incentive to devote careful attention to the issue at hand. Bryan (College Station’s twin city) City Council is debating a change on its renter policies. The council is currently examining a proposal that would reduce the number of unrelated resident that can share a home from four to two. The proponents of the move cite cases of loud parties, increased traffic and trash that result from college students sharing rented houses. Now, just to give a little background, College Station is a student community; 45,000 students among the city’s 67,000-odd residents. Bryan, being almost next door also houses many students. If this proposal passes, students could face great inconveniences as they would have to rethink their housing options.
Normally, in order to reduce expenses, several students shack up in a
house or an apartment; especially so if they happen to be Desi. Desis
are known to live like sardines – 4 students in a two-bedroom house
doesn’t raise any eyebrows (I have even seen and stayed more than 4 in
an apartment). Americans prefer their own space and generally do not
share a bedroom, which is often akin to your own personal space. After
living in a typical Desi apartment for the past five years, I have
begun to understand the conveniences of your own bedroom albeit at a
higher cost.
Although the proposal under question is expected to impact only
duplexes and single-family homes (apartments and fourplexes are
exempted), the number of units that would be affected is still high at
almost 8000 units. The student body, which by the way has a strong
voice in these parts, is vehemently opposed to this move although the
landlords have good reason to complain. Personally, I have been (rather
my apartment) cited for causing loud noises and I can understand the
inconvenience that this can cause. But on the other hand, loud noises
and increased traffic during the weekend is expected in a student
community. The proposal also would create a false illusion of housing
shortages since a four-bedroom house cannot be leased to more than two
unrelated people and two bedrooms would permanently remain vacant. This
would skew the market and prices would rise, making it extremely
unaffordable for students to rent housing in Bryan. Of course, College
Station would benefit by providing more housing without the
encumbrances of such a zoning ordinance.
Also, as one councilman who opposes the proposal says, “it is not fair
to the kids that are good and maintain their yards and don’t have loud
parties”. The City Council is thus generalizing student behavior and
attempting to create a zoning ordinance that would affect even those
that have generally been well-behaved. I propose that the decision
should be left to individual landlords who if need be, can incorporate
certain restrictions in their leases. For e.g. two police citations and
they would have to evict. The hand of the law is pretty strong here and
fines are stiff too. After our citation of almost $370 per resident,
parties have literally come to a standstill and our house wears a
deserted look even on weekends. Generalizing a regulation for all
almost never works and people tend to find legal loopholes; instead
financial disincentives in terms of fines and citations work better.
by Patrix | on Tuesday, October 4th, 2005 at 12:00 pm | 
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October 4th, 2005 at 4:27 pm reply
I dont know what would have happened to me if this housing rule were in effect where I used to live. Having just arrived from Mumbai, I used to find the town I lived in quite similar to a ghost town..and my apartment, which I shared with 3 others was my only solace..
Even now, I used to live in a 2 bedroom with one other roommate, and now have moved to a 4 bedroom with 3 others. Even though I am very good friends with my prev roommate and was very happy there, i am liking the current arrangment as well..yet to figure out why..
October 4th, 2005 at 11:28 pm reply
Sqrl, Personally this wouldn’t affect me since I live in College Station and also, I share my apartment with only one other person. But I guess, I am done with all the crammed living conditions that Desi students usually subject themselves to though It was fun while it lasted.
October 5th, 2005 at 3:59 am reply
didnt know u did urban planning. that was my moms subject too she did her ms in that. or her m.arch. ? not sure which it was. anyway. nice :)
October 5th, 2005 at 3:34 pm reply
Prero, good to hear that!