Student/resident relations evolve ‘down the line’

With the start of the new school year, the repercussions of the Green Lane incident that occurred in May of 2014 continue to be felt by Narragansett students and residents.

The large block party in Eastwood Look sparked a lot of tension between student renters and permanent residents in Narragansett.  Since then, the area has not been as welcoming to University of Rhode Island students who have chosen to move “down the line.”  The incident resulted in new ordinances for students living off-campus, such as enforced parking hours and consequences for certain guest behavior.

Aside from the town issuing new rules and guidelines, students were also allowed to give their input during a public forum between the town council and police chief.

“The students living in that area are definitely targeted the most,” said Brianna Montecalvo, the Student Senate External Affairs chair. “Students need to focus on cohesiveness with the town.”

Student Senate has also created magnets of “Student Renter’s Tips and Rights,” advising good behavior for off-campus residents.  These guidelines include introducing students introducing themselves to their neighbors to establish good relationships, obeying parking regulations at night and reminding residents that the police need probable cause in order to enter a house. These tips and rights are available in the Student Senate office.

Narragansett 2100, the landlord group that supports Narragansett’s off-campus students, has tried to form peace between student renters and residents.

“Due to the incident in 2014, there’s been an ongoing study of what has disturbed the residents the most,” said Ray Kagels, Narragansett resident and landlord.  “We have been working with the town to decrease the amount of noise complaints, partying issues and disrespect.”

As of mid-September this year, only four houses have been declared a nuisance. This is a significant decrease from the 60 reported in last fall.

“There’s been a 42 percent reduction in noise complaints from last year,” Kagels said. “I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Roughly 6,000 students choosing not to live on Kingston grounds every year, and the URI campus is too small, even with the construction of a new residence hall in mind, to house that many additional residents.

“Living off-campus is something that’s been an important part of the university for years,” Montecalvo said. “After the tourist season, out-of-staters go home and students fill those houses.  Without them, businesses would take a hit, as well as the economy and taxes for the town of Narragansett.”

Montecalvo also gave some tips in addition to what’s already being asked of renters.

“Be aware of your guests—how many, and who they are,” Montecalvo said. “Noise levels are a major issue, so be smart and respectful of your neighbors.  Advise them when you’re going to have people over, and let them know they can contact you if they have any issues rather than calling the cops.”