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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Daily editorial, November 24, 1981 in tha th011l7ht editori-alt Easingtensions Community members made an effort to dissipate the gathering storm caused by the downzoning issue Wednesday night in a meeting called by Mayor Paul Goodland. Good to his word that the mayor's role is one of an ombudsman,Goodland called the meeting to give people an opportunity to air their views on downzoning outside the formal meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission or the City Council. Downzoning refers to rezoning residential neigh- borhoods to a less intense land use. The matter is usually brought to the City Council by people who wish to limit multi-unit and rental housing in their neighborhoods.` Lately, residents seeking to curb noise, garbage, off- and on-street parking, speeding, occupancy and animals have turned to downzoning. But students, who are the most affected by this issue, are saying downzoning is discriminatory. Goodland's move was a wise one. As more neigh- borhood associations make downzoning requests, the animosity between students and long-term com- munity residents is growing. And as is often the case, the animosity has been accompanied by miscon- ceptions. But it appears some of those misconceptions were cleared up at the forum. Representatives from neighborhood associations said they are not anti- student, but are fighting irresponsible people who destroy the character of their neighborhoods. Students, on the other hand, presented themselves as concerned members of the community interested in clearing up some of the stereotypes that surround them and in taking an active role in this issue. Scott Clark of the Off-Campus Student Asasociation—an organization created in part to act as a liaison between off-campus students and other factions of the community—suggested that residents take their complaints directly to the tenants causing the problems. We feel this could help ease some of the tension between students and permanent residents. Down- zoning is best handled on a case-by-case, conciliatory basis. And such compromise is contingent upon communication.