Item B: Neighborhood Livability Working Group Report

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Neighborhood Livability Working Group Bad behaviors associated with noise and alcohol are of major concern to neighborhood residents. An analysis of data on arrests for noise, disorderly conduct and alcohol related violations for the period of 2006-2010 provides some insight into how conditions are trending (see Appendix C). In general, the numbers of these violations have remained relatively steady in Amazon and Fairmount neighborhoods. South University has seen a steady rise of these types of arrests during this period and recorded nearly 2.5 times the number of violations in 2010 than five years earlier. While the total number of violations is significantly higher in any given year in the West University area, the same trend of increasing numbers of violations holds true. A Catalogue of Negative Behaviors and Impacts document was compiled to categorize and explain some of the negative behaviors and impacts of living in proximity to the university (see Appendix A). Behaviors and impacts that are addressed include those related to property, personal and behavior crimes, and zoning/land use issues. The Catalogue gives a thorough description of the issue of concern and provides firsthand accounts from residents of their experiences. Short of spending time in the neighborhood on a Friday or Saturday night, the document gives a good sense of what residents experience on a regular basis. Each neighborhood experiences all the catalogued negative behaviors and impacts to some degree. While negative incidents are significantly more common and intense in the West University area and the situation has become more pronounced in SUNA in recent years, residents of Amazon and Fairmount are also experiencing real impacts to the peaceful and safe enjoyment of their neighborhoods. The following information was provided by neighborhoo West University Neighbors . of inhabitants can be described as transient, youthful and students. The bulk of the property owners and occupants are those that support the benefits of medium and high density residential living. The neighborhood has more than its share of problems typical with late night parties, low-level antisocial behavior, noise and trash as standard complaints. Additional problem areas include increased gang related activity, homelessness, assaults, burglaries and unsafe operation of vehicles (i.e., speeding). Amazon Neighbors Frequent, blatant violation of the land use laws, particularly in regard to secondary and accessory dwellings and renting to more than five unrelated individuals with little or no financial consequence. Because of the "overbuild" of bedrooms within this R1 zoned neighborhood, purchasing a house keeping these properties in a cycle of investment is more expensive than home ownership or long-term tenancy. Behavioral problems are on the rise, including noise, speeding, parking on lawns, vandalism, litter, garbage, as well as some poor oversight/neglect of properties by investors and homeowners. Inconsistent messaging and enforcement from the neighbors, landlords, City code enforcement, and police contribute to the problem. This leads to long-term neighbors becoming frustrated by having to either tolerate the bad behaviors or assume the burden of educating new residents on neighborhood expectations for appropriate behavior. Longer-term residents grow weary of the situation, which results in frequent turn-over and flight from the neighborhood. South University Neighborhood Association During the school year (and increasingly during the summer), young people spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in loud and disruptive parties. 7 Page