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College Station Discusses Roommate Numbers Save Email Print
Posted: 2:28 PM Mar 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:28 PM Mar 26, 2008
 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com
28 comments
A | A | A

Lots of people have an opinion about whether or not College Station should change its so-called roommate law. You can weigh in and hear what city staffers think should be done, Thursday, at the city council's workshop session.

The meeting starts Thursday afternoon at 3pm, at the College Station City Hall. Current city regulations limit the number of unrelated persons living together, to four.

In February, city staffers met with students, property owners, developers, and others to get their feedback. Thursday the staff will make recommendations to the city council.

The meeting is open to the public. If you'd like to give an opinion, get there early.

To take a look at the information city staffers will present, as well as take an online survey about the roommate issue, follow the link below:

http://www.cstx.gov/ni/
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Posted by: Matt on Apr 8, 2008 at 09:54 AM
College Station is a colleg town. There are family neighborhoods that college students don't want to live in all around town. Families should not live in neighborhoods that college students are going to live in. The majoririty of people in this town attend A&M and messing with the housing arrangements is going to piss off the majority of the population. Families can make their own rules in their neighborhoods but leave the neighborhoods around campus alone.
Posted by: Brian Location: CS on Mar 30, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I am from College Station born and raised, My parents street has become a haven for renters it is over next to the Oakwood are discussed in the new. Over the past few years they have had some good Students living next to them, then also they have had the rowdy dont give a dang neighbors like they do now. The Street is Village Drive, if you would drive down this street you would see a big lifted up truck sitting the wrong way in the street up on jack stand (has code enforcement done anything about this NO) Their yard is never mowed with weeds almost a foot high. My parents miss their mail maybe 3 to 4 times a weeks because of the students across the street from them parking and blocking their mail boxes. I myself was a student here and the thing is to think of your neighbors in the way you act and live. Where is the Honor and Integrity that most Aggies have showing up when some are off campus.
Posted by: CS Location: College Station on Mar 30, 2008 at 11:15 AM
In regards to alot of comments....I live next to several students. SOME are good and SOME are horrible. Doesn't everyone realize that the only time the number of unrelated occupants living under one roof would be really scrutinized is when the police are called out to a large party or some other complaint. Also in regards to the person who made a comment about a college town. That is why there are dorms! Most colleges REQUIRE freshman and sophmores to live in dorms. Maybe the university should join in the tyranny and that way, they might be able to make a little more money like those real estate agents! Until those of you making comments are up with your infants at 3:00 in the morning because your disrespectful college student neighbors are so drunk that they are shooting off bottle rockets right outside your childs bedroom window, quit trying to make all those college students look angelic!!!!!
Posted by: Misty Location: Bryan on Mar 29, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I come from a town out of state where it is not uncommon to limit the number of occupants in an apartment OR single family residence. It has nothing to do with college students, but simply the unplanned strain on local services such as utilities and emergency services. Not saying that I agree with the no more than 2 unrelated occupants proposal, because that will be impossible to enforce. I'm just suggesting that everyone think outside the box. I have a few students in my subdivision and they are horrible!!! I realize that not all students are like this, but these kids really think they don't have to abide by our HOA rules, and they are disrespectful to the families in this neighborhood when they peel out at 2 in the morning, leave beer cans on the street, and blast their music at all hours. They aren't really out to make friends out of their neighbors, are they?
Posted by: Judy Location: Bryan on Mar 29, 2008 at 03:29 PM
We have had College students in our neighborhood. They have had loud parties...They came to our house and told us they were going to have a party and said if it got too loud to come over and let them know. They were actually good neighbors.
Posted by: BJ Location: College Station on Mar 29, 2008 at 03:39 AM
Disgusted... Have you tried being mature and respectful to those awful student neighbors you have? We are people too, heck, some of us are even friendly. Yes I admit there are a few bad eggs out there that are hard to live around but lucky for you, they should only be here for 4 years, probably less. It's very unlikely that your whole neighborhood is inhabited by bad students. And how dare them realtors try to do their job and make money. They must be students... I am however sorry that you have lost your quality of life due to the students at A&M that make this town what it is, a college town. Hopefully things will get better for you.
Posted by: Disgusted Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Why is it not a surprise that all students want to live together to save money? Or, that Realtors (Joy Caldwell) seem to see only $ signs when advertising to Aggie parents? Students are immature & disrespectful to their neighbors. We moved into a new neighborhood with dirt all around. Lo and behold, the students moved in. There is no way we can have a marjority vote as there are only a handful of families due to lies by the realtor, builder, and developer--not to mention the deceiving sign (single family residents). If we could afford to move, we would. Instead, we are forced to hear loud parties, endure large trucks parked every direction (including blocking our mailbox), and spend the week end picking up trash and beer bottles. Adults you say? What a joke. My 5 year old is more mannerly. Thanks College Station--for nothing. Not everyone relies on A&M or is affiliated with A&M. Our quality of life has gone away while the city looks the other way.
Posted by: ALSO AMAZED Location: BCS on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Amazed. KBTX IS THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN. That is why our local news sucks. Maybe the ads will pay for some gas for tv-3 van? I hope someone in the 10-person news room has a TDL. and map of BCS.
Posted by: Cheryl Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:08 PM
To the angry peasants that are attempting to ruffle the feathers of the students in the community have you ever thought about where the city got it's name? It is called COLLEGE Station for a reason. There is a COLLEGE located here. If you don't like it, move to Navasota. Students built this community and made it one of the nicest places I have ever lived. Money magazine rated College Station the 11th most educated city in America and the most educated city in Texas. College Station is nice! If it were not for the students this place would dry up and blow away. I don't know what kind of work you are in , but I would have to close my doors if the students left town. Post oak mall, the dining establishments on university and Easterwood airport are just a few things the students have brought us. Students pay sales tax here and they put money in the offering plates of local churches. I welcome the students in my neighborhood. I'm not going to cut off the hand that feeds me. Thanks students!
Posted by: Kevin Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:11 PM
In reply to John: We are a family of 5. We have 3 vehicles which we are able to park in our driveway/garage completely off the street. Next door we have 4 or 5 students. They have 3 large SUV's and 2 smaller cars. They can only seem to park one in their driveway at any given time. Two houses down live 4 or 5 students. Each has a large pick-up truck. One student has 2 which is constantly up on blocks. Only 2 of their vehicles even FIT in the driveway/garage. All of the rest are parked on the street, often blocking mailboxes, garbage pick-up, etc. I don't know what students you live around - but most of those who live in my neighborhood drive very large, mostly new vehicles. They live their lives like no one else exists on earth. They don't meet their neighbors, they don't pick after their guests, and they are oblivious to things like common courtesy when it comes to living in a family neighborhood.
Posted by: john Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Hmmmmmm, so if only one student is living in each house or apartment (ie 3 students = 3 houses to trash/party in, not to mention that some "permanent" residents can be pretty trashy party animals as well), there will be fewer unkept yards and loud parties? And a family with dad's work truck, mom's minivan and a couple of around town cars for the kids and parents to share contributes less to the parking problem than the 2 econoboxes and a motorcycle that a triplet of students bring? Folks that believe that got some 'splainin to do.
Posted by: Joy Caldwell Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Our community is a college based community, the students are guests and customers here during their stay. The cost of a college education is soaring for parents, why can't parents get a break on housing while their students are here. Most parents do not like condos due to rising condo fees and resale values, and most condo projects are out of towm investors and builders, not local builders. Parents understand and like houses. Let the HOA and deed restrictions decide what occupancy ratio a subdivision will have. City staff needs to look at parking requirements and stand by their guns on off street parking in neighborhoods that allow students.
Posted by: CS Homeowner Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM
One of the reasons I moved to College Station is because of the university and all the activities it has to offer (athletic events, OPAS, etc.). If Texas A&M and its students were not in B/CS, both towns would cease to exist. Both cities' economies are dependent on A&M. How can we live in a town so dependent on something yet scorn it and treat it like a disease? Let's not bite the hand that feeds us! I understand and agree that there are individual cases of students in residential areas that are rowdy or a nuisance. However, cases like this should be handled on an individual basis. Instead of the city limiting the number of unrelated people in one residence, how about the city require the owners of those properties to give their contact information to neighbors so that the neighbors can express concerns directly to them? Surely we have enough well-educated citizens of this community that can come up with a better solution than the one currently proposed.
Posted by: K.L. Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I'd like to respond to the students who think that the citizens of College Station don't care about their concerns. It's time to grow up. That's what college is all about - learning to become an independent, responsible citizen of the world. Part of that means acting like an adult. Mom and Dad are not here to tell you to pick up your mess. They can't do it for you anymore, it's your job now. Too many people live in this community without any real responsible connection. Students don't feel the need to keep the citizens placated if they have no investment in the community. Their temporary residence during their college years does not provide any real incentive to become a citizen of College Station. They'll be gone in a couple of years when they get their degree and move on to a new home somewhere else. We don't have to live like this. Let's show some Aggie Pride. Join the community, not only the university community, but also the community where you live.
Posted by: Mike Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:38 AM
The issue of limiting the number of unrelated people living in single family houses wouldn't even be considered by the city council if the students who live in our neighborhoods were friendly and courteous. They aren't outwardly hostile. They just act like no one else exists outside their little circle. Students, why don't you take some time to get to know your neighbors? Do you even know the names of your neighbors? If you can't find the time, then make friends by keeping your trash and parking to your property. Pick up after your friends. Do it in a timely manner. If you have to get up early so you can get to it before your 8:00am class, tough it out for one day. Mow your lawns once in a while. Don't leave your junk out in the yard for weeks. If your trash can tips over, set it back up and pick up the spilled trash. Remember that not everyone lives on your schedule. Coming home late at night with your music or engine blaring might wake up a sleeping child. JUST THINK!
Posted by: Kim Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Pat: Everyone has the legal right to call the police to report on a noise (or other) complaint. If you are retaliated on because you informed law enforcement about a problem, those involved in the retaliation will be charged with a FELONY. This happened after we called about a loud party, and the residents decided to slash all 4 tires on our vehicle. It didn't matter whether or not we wanted to press charges, that was up to the D.A. We don't need to be afraid to call law enforcement when we need to.
Posted by: Katie Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Come on people, did you not hear the article about TAMU is helping stablize the econmoy here? That is because of the college students. They are the reason BCS is doing so well and are not like neighboring communities. Stop pushing down laws on people that help protect your livelihood. If students lived in the dorms, that don't exist, then TAMU will have to buy up more land to build them and then still not pay taxes on them. The economy will suffer. Open your eyes and pay attention. If you are having problems with bona fide college students and not just inconsiderate neighbors, there are other means. The government should not be allowed to control what you do within your own property. The property owner should have the only control on who they let live in their dwelling. Rights are slowly being taken away by over-controlling governments.
Posted by: S Location: TX on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Gary - perhaps you should see the article on A&M's impact on B/CS - if not for the "nuisance" there would be no area economy. It is amazing how everyone here seeks to generalize ALL students and how evil "they" become if more than two live in one home.
Posted by: john Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Give me a break; As far as all students living on campus, the only way to get all 45,000 students into the dorms would be to pack them 3 to a room. And there are a ton of 3 bedroom apartments and rent houses out there that are geared to student occupancy and even a large 2 bedroom is much more affordable to cash strapped Ags split 3 ways than 2. Finally, remember that those "nuisances", as you call them, are a huge chunk of the "Record Impact" that A&M makes on the economy (and probably YOUR paycheck).
Posted by: BJ Location: College Station on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:21 AM
How would lowering the number of unrelated roommates solve any of your problems? I dont think I've ever attended a party where it was just the residents of the house there. This is a college town, students are a huge part of the population. Not all of us are "nuisances" as you call us. As for the genius who says all unrelated roommates should live in the dorms, A&M can only accommadate approx 9866 students in their dorms (2200 reserved for corp). Current student enrollment is above 43000... Should it be required that we get married before coming here?? Also, it's not just college students having these wild parties and not mowing the grass, some families are even worse. Drive down some of the lower income streets in CS. My neighborhood is about 90% student and it's a lot nicer than most others in CS. If a neighbor is being too loud, we simply ask them to please keep it down. Finally, many of the rentals in CS are 3 bedroom, if you limit the roommates, its going to be hard to find renters
Posted by: CS Resident Location: College Station on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Nice to see such a welcoming opinion to those that help bring such a robust economy to the area. If you sub the words "blacks", "hispanics" or "Jews" for the word "student" you would have cries of discrimination. Why is this any different? Let the existing city laws work and have them enforced. A small minority of individuals causing a problem does not mean you overturn the apple cart. This is bad policy that will have several unintended consequences.
Posted by: ke Location: college station on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:58 PM
i agree with all but manager in college station, manager should understand that the majority of owners do not live in or around b/cs. they do not see the problem unrelated tenants create... until they move out....then it is remodeling time, ripping up carpet,painting wall, yard work. All they see is the rent check and making a buck. meanwhile we citizens must put up with loud parties, cars everywhere... parking anywhere they want regardless of who maybe living there. Unkept yard, trash cans filled to the brim and then extra trash on the ground....the list goes on. If owners cannot control this then the city should for the sake of all our tax dollars and safety of our homes.
Posted by: Amazed Location: College Station on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:31 PM
This is the first time that I have visted KBTX.com - and this is the worst website I have ever come across. Where is the news? Why are so many ads - do you need money? My goodness - will a professional please take a step back and look at this mess?
Posted by: CS Homeowner Location: CS on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I think decisions like this should be made and enforced by neighborhoods, subdivisions, or HOA's because they are closer to the subject. Citywide is too general for B/CS area. For example, Sun Meadows sub-division, off of Grahm Road, has a good number of 2&3 bedroom duplexes, as well as some 3&4 bedroom rental houses with good number of students. Here, I think the property owners and residents would oppose restrictions. Elsewhere, there are a number of sub-divisions where people invest in a home to live for awhile and don't want to deal with the riga-mar-o that comes with lots of un-related people living together. These neighborhoods should be able to vote and regulate accordingly.
Posted by: gary Location: College Station on Mar 26, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Students should live on campus. If they do not live on campus, they should live in a designated area. They are a nuisance. More than two living together creates problems.
Posted by: Darla Location: College Station on Mar 26, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Unrelated individuals should be lowered to at least 2--no more. They create multiple problems with more than two.
Posted by: Pat Location: Bryan on Mar 26, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Everyone wants to save money, especially when they are going to school with rising costs. But as a homeowner, we want to also keep out investments safe, our home! Cars all in the street, unkept yards, parties, etc....are just not all college students but others as well. Regardless, the number of people living in a house, needs to be controlled in every town. I don't think anyone is targeting college students directly, its a protection of the taxpayers being homeowners. If a homeowner calls on a party, then we are afraid of something happening to our own home. The times have changed and we just need laws and rules to protect everyone.
Posted by: D. Location: College Station on Mar 26, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Unrelated roommates should only be allowed in dormitories.
Posted by: manager Location: college station on Mar 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM
this should be the owners decision on how many unrelated people can live together.. College Station try's to control too much. Come on people.. Go fight some crime or something!!Feed a hungry family, or a homeless child.. This is a waste of everyone's time.. Bottom line, the city should not have a say in this matter at all.
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