Pocono News Section

Possible Changes for Student Housing in Bloomsburg

Possible Changes for Student Housing in Bloomsburg - Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 6:13PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Nov 27, 2007 @06:13pm EST
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY - College students could soon be told where to live and where not to live in part of Columbia County. Bloomsburg town council has proposed changes to its zoning laws that have some people up in arms.

The new student zoning restrictions have come together after a 10-month study. Right now, students can live in housing anywhere in Bloomsburg, but if the new law passes, that won't be the case.

More and more student housing is popping up in Bloomsburg. A new housing facility is being built off of East First Street. If the new proposal is adopted, two large residential chunks of land would be off limits.

"The committee wanted to try and designate areas where student housing has a large footprint and allow it to grow there," Code Enforcement Officer Edward Fegley said.

The idea to limit student housing was suggested by a group of homeowners who say student parties and noise have hurt their community. People like Ann Beaver, who have lived in Bloomsburg since 1981, are in favor of it, saying it will protect residents.

"We do have a large elderly population in this area that are a little overwhelmed by the students. I think they need protecting," Beaver said.

Other people say the idea could hurt the future of the Columbia County community since students and the university are the main economic engine in town.

"I think Bloomsburg University is a big part of this town, economically and socially, and I think by telling people what to do, you get a bigger reaction against what you planned," Bloomsburg sophomore Steve Murphy said.

"I don't really think it would be a big issue because most students don't want to live near families because they would be more likely to get in trouble for partying, so they're trying to avoid it anyway," Bloomsburg senior Rebecca Eignor said.

If you want to speak out about the proposed zoning restrictions, you'll have your chance next month. A public meeting on the issue is planned for December 20th at Bloomsburg Town Hall.