| Author |
Message |
    
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 767
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 5:57 pm: | 
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How has Montclair and Madison dealt with this sort of thing? Here are two towns which are close by and most likely have to deal with the issue as well. Maybe we could learn from them. And if they have a similar problem, perhaps there could be some collective solution. As with other things, we need some leadership out of village hall, not just lip service. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1817
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:27 pm: |
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I couldn't help noticing a plethora of police cars in the SHU area last night. Around 10:00, I was at Rite Aid. I know the police station is right there, so maybe it was a shift change, but it seems reasonable for them to just "roll through." Most people, college kids included, check what they're doing at the sight of a police car.
Where are the rollers? Patroling the Newark border? It's not far from SHU. Are the all up at the Reservation? If there are really only two or three cars at night, where should they be?
I vote for outside of my house. Hey, it's near, SHU!
J.B. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6127
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 11:43 pm: |
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JB
Flying just posted in another thread about the loud mouth students in another thread. This was about an hour ago. And if I remember correctly she's a few blocks from the school. Just because the students don't have Friday classes it doesn't mean those living arond them don't have jobs to go to in the morning. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 259
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:25 pm: |
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JTA, are you one of those people who have to get to work on Friday mornings? |
Joe Krause
Citizen
Username: Wkrause3
Post Number: 38
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 11:46 pm: |
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I have read this thread for long enough, I would hate to inform the residents of South Orange that they border some of the poorest cities in America. The amount of crime in the surrounding areas has a direct impact on all of your lives.
I drove down Irvington Ave. this evening and I saw a bunch of non-Seton Hall students loitering around the area. This might be the cause for some of your concerns.
The bottom line is that the residents of South Orange feel the need to find a group who can't defend itself, namely the SHU students. The amount of crime and loitering that occurs unchecked in this town creates an environment for garbage and crack vials on the street.
Everyone needs to take person ownership for their town and realize it’s not always the evil Seton Hall students but a more year round problem of unchecked crime and quality of life issues. There are far more pressing issues that you could spend your valuable time in solving.
I know if many of could take a step back and hear yourselves on this matter you would know what you sound like. It sounds cliché but did you imagine you would turn into your parents?
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teach75
Citizen
Username: Teach75
Post Number: 61
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 12:32 am: |
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Okay, but then explain why it (noise at unreasonable hours, etc) increases exponentially when SHU is back in session. I am a (mostly)lifelong resident of South Orange who lived very near SHU. I lived at home to commute to college and I used to sometimes have to call the cops on the parades of students walking down South Orange Ave. My college was on a slightly different schedule than SHU and my exams were still in full swing when theirs were over. I would be awakened at 3 and 4am on nights I had an 8am exam.
I moved out of town for a short period of time, to Maplewood and also to West Orange. Both those towns border some of the same cities that South Orange does and I did not have any of the noise problems I had in South Orange. I moved back to South Orange recently and the late night/early morning noise issue is back. I love South Orange and would rather see change than people moving out to escape SHU. And it was not so long ago that I was a college student and was out partying to all hours of the night. BUT, I know that I tried to be respectful of the neighborhood I was in.
Bottom line is that the students, or whoever is partying late at night, need to respect their neighbors. I am sure that someone is going to say that many of the students do so, but the messages on this board are proving that many do not.
And sorry Psychomom, but your comment about expecting behavior like this just makes excuses for SHU and South Orange to not do something about this problem. Some people can only afford to live in an inner city. Does that mean they should expect and be okay with the problems that come with living in an inner city? I don't think so. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6142
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:43 am: |
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Anton
I get up at 5:30am Mon-Fri. |
Jersey girl
Citizen
Username: Critterlover
Post Number: 108
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:52 am: |
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Joe Krause writes, "The bottom line is that the residents of South Orange feel the need to find a group who can't defend itself, namely the SHU students. The amount of crime and loitering that occurs unchecked in this town creates an environment for garbage and crack vials on the street.
Everyone needs to take person ownership for their town and realize it’s not always the evil Seton Hall students but a more year round problem of unchecked crime and quality of life issues. There are far more pressing issues that you could spend your valuable time in solving. ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Thanks for your comments, Joe. But with respect, I take issue with your statement which I have quoted above.
Blanket statements such as yours, saying SO residents are looking for a defenseless group to blame..well, that doesn't even make sense to me. How could any person possibly assign that motive to a town full of people? It is rather difficult to get a consensus on any one topic, let alone assign one motive to an entire population.
some individuals (I use myself as the example here) are affected negatively by unruly inhabitants (whom I can easily identify I might add, since I was watching them directly, from my window...)
I am griping about the people I am looking at, as they carry on in a rude and unpleasant manner! I don't seek a scapegoat, someone defenselessto blame (to blame for WHAT?) although, now that you mention it, their actions are without defense...
Scheesh.
I AM BLAMING THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TROUBLE HERE JOE!
Don't you get it, JKrause?
Evidently notbecause if you got the noise pollution I have wafting thru my home whenever SHU has an event (moving in day, exams are over day,etc) noise which awakens me at 3 and 4 am, I have a distinct feeling you would be bringing up the issue yourself.
There is nothing wrong with addressing an issue that affects me as a resident of this town;furthermore, whether or not this issue is deemed worthy of my time is for me to determine, Sir. You may find it unworthy, compared to other troubles affecting our town, but I have decided it is worth trying to preserve and defend the residential neighborhoods around SHU from the noise and desrtuction by students and their friends which we frequently endure.
Jersey girl
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John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 586
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 10:57 am: |
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Dave, I am reading one of the above posts and wanting to respond. Before I do, can a poster be banned or suspended for calling another poster a jer*-***? |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6146
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 11:47 am: |
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John-
Most likely. Don't take the chance. We like you here and need your voice of reason. However, I don't think you can be banned for saying you are acting like a jerk. That seems different then saying 'you are a jerk!'
I taught me nephews a comeback when someone calls them a 'jerk.'
A jerk is a tug
A tug is a boat.
A boat sails on water
Water is nature
Naure is beautiful
thanks for the compliment. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1896
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 11:59 am: |
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"I drove down Irvington Ave. this evening and I saw a bunch of non-Seton Hall students loitering around the area. This might be the cause for some of your concerns.
The bottom line is that the residents of South Orange feel the need to find a group who can't defend itself, namely the SHU students."
Seton Hall students can defend themselves. Since somewhere along the line it was decided they were residents...they can arrange community liason meetings and such and attend the trustee meetings. Do they generally do this? No. However the non-seton hall students"loitering" around irvington avenue can't defend themselves. It sounds like it is you who is looking for a defenseless group to place blame upon. |
joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 1045
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 12:38 pm: |
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What about them makes them non SHU students?
jd |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1045
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:02 pm: |
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Joel, you beat me to it.
What ARE the distinguishing characteristics of a 'non-SHU student' Mr. Krause? |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 760
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:02 pm: |
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Maybe the CHS t-shirts??? LOL
and Teach75, I am not trying to make excuses but I think it is insane to buy into an area that already has problems and reputation and expect it to change overnight because you are the one affected. For the record I am in the category you speak of...urban dweller...and I take the bad and the good in stride. I think it's because I am realistic that it makes it easier to cope. |
John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 588
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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Scully, did you read that? J.T.A. says I am a voice of reason. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 260
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 8:46 pm: |
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jta, I didnt ask you what time you woke up, just whether or not you were heading to work on friday mornings.
I agree with Joe Krause- some people seem to have lots of time on their hands when it comes to posting the same comments all the time on shu related issues. I live on a street that borders campus and have plenty of Shu students as neighbors. I never feel the need to run to MOL and whine all day! Part of living in South Orange is having the knowledge that a college (and everything good and bad that comes with that fact) is in our backyards. Since no one here was born prior to 1856 when Seton hall came to town, I wonder why anyone posting in threads like this one lives here!!
fyi, I dont approve of any drunken behavior; unfortunately it comes with the territory. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 261
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 8:49 pm: |
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and btw I refuse to believe that the only residents/inhabitants of south orange that litter, make noise, play loud music, throw their crack vials on peoples lawns, use up sopd time, etc. are seton hall students. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1834
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 9:10 pm: |
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Indeed others do cause trouble. Let's start a thread about these others. But this thread is about the problems SHU student's cause. It's nuts to say, "It's not SHU student's who cause the problems that SHU students cause."
So lets get back to complaining about these drunk, noisey, publicly urinating college students gone wild.
Thank You,
J.B. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6153
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 9:18 pm: |
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Ant-
Well I'm not going to school! I leave for work by 6:45 every morning. My sister gets up at 4:30. She leaves before 6am. There are plenty of people who post from work. Look at Tom Riengold!
I agree SH students are not the only ones causing problems; but they were the ones causing the problems Jersey girl was complaining about. Why should those who live by the college have to deal with this behavior? Living there shouldn't 'come with the territory.' Whatever happened to respecting those who live around you? Or don't parents teach their kids this anymore? |
teach75
Citizen
Username: Teach75
Post Number: 62
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 1:11 am: |
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Psychomom-
I did not ever say in my post that I expected change overnight. I said "Does that mean they should expect and be okay with the problems that come with living in an inner city? I don't think so." I think that MOL has in the past, and will continue in the future to be a wonderful arena for the members of the community to discuss and bring up issues they are having. THAT is what starts to bring about change. AND it most definitely does not happen overnight.
AntoninaKC, you wrote "I wonder why anyone posting in threads like this one lives here!! "
I will tell you why. I live here because I believe that South Orange can once again become the great town in which I grew up. I believe that I have every right, as a resident, to post in a forum such as this to complain (not whine) about other residents who are disrespectful. When my family first moved to South Orange over 20 years ago, it was not the town we live in today. People are not writing to complain (again, not whine) about petty things in this particular thread. We are complaining about very real disturbances. Maybe you can ignore the early morning goings on, but from what I have read here, most people are not able to do so. If you don't feel the need to "run to MOL and whine all day"...then don't. |
Katie Chrusz
Citizen
Username: Chruszka
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 2:14 am: |
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Hello everyone, my name is Katie and this is my first post.
I recently graduated from Seton Hall this past year. I loved Seton Hall and the town of South Orange so much, that I move into a house near school and decided to pursue my Masters Degree. I was very active in campus life as an undergraduate and plan to continue my high level of involvement to the best of my ability.
I have been an avid reader of this board for years. I have been following the progression of this post and felt compelled to write. My deepest and sincerest apologies if I offend anyone. That was not my intention. Bear in mind, I am new at this…have mercy please!
Members of this board, I understand your frustration with noise violations and disrespect issues. I always felt that it was unfair to residents living next to a “hot spot” to be woken up on a Thursday by what appears to be rude, crude and uncouth SHU students – especially when you have to be up early for work, or need to get your kids up for school in the morning. This is completely unfair and I agree with and understand your frustration.
You also need to understand ours. (Student perspective)
The Village Liaisons created the calling system in order to help alleviate some of the tension surrounding this issue. As stated, the students who are a part of this committee to respond in a timely manor. Why is this system not used as a first or second line of communication? The students that run these “hot spots” may not have the best of judgment at times, but they are not evil, satanic, or malicious people. Their intention is not to purposely disrupt their neighbors. Often times, these “hot spots” are used to celebrate a tough week of classes, or serve as a recruitment event for a Greek organization. Should you tolerate disruptions at 3 a.m. or someone urinating on your lawn? Absolutely not! Many of these “hot spots” will stop the gathering immediately if you walk over and talk to them. They are good people, with good intentions. Again, they are not the enemy. Granted some of their attendees might get out of hand, but most times I guarantee you, the host or hosts of the “hot spot” will comply with your wishes. Of course you are angry, but staring out the window for hours watching this happen, allowing your resentment to grow with each passing minute and debating back and forth of whether or not to call the cops is no way to spend your evening, - nor is it an effective solution. Most of these “hot spots” will comply with your wishes. The students are afraid to receive noise violations as they are pretty costly. My suggestion is to talk to these people. If that doesn’t work, try the village liaisons. If all else fails, my sincerest apologies. Call the cops – they deserve it at this point.
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Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1898
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 3:08 am: |
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my parents moved to SO around 17 years ago..at the time our street was sleepy, clean annd nice. Now it is a pathway for less than respectable SHU students to get home. I hate all this denial. THEY ARE SHU STUDENTS. College-age white females in miniskirts and heels are not going home to newark or irivington. I could say the same for the males in SHU shirts and/or with there abercrombie/hollister polos with popped collars
done. |
Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1047
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 8:13 am: |
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Katie: Welcome. Thoughtful first post.
I agree with a lot of what you say however I think most people would be a bit leary of approaching a gang of rowdy people (students or otherwise) at three in the morning on their own.
This calling system, is it a 24/7 number? |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 2227
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 8:14 am: |
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Maybe these "hosts" could invest in a clock upon which to gaze during the wee hours of the morn' and ponder "maybe we should shut the •••• up since it's 3am". |
Aqwabug
Citizen
Username: Aqwabug
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 10:46 am: |
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I am a SHU student that lives off (but really close to) campus...last night my roomate's friend came to visit, and when we tried to call into the police station for overnight parking, a very unfriendly cop answered the phone and said that they were not allowing parking on areas near campus because "he (the cop) said so" i later found out it was because of problems arising from "party houses" in the area. As a student, I am frustrated that other students are ruining things such as this for other SHU students as well as villiage residents....please don't hate us all |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 170
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:26 am: |
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Just realized that nowhere in this thread appears the Village Liaisons Hotline number, so here it is:
973-412-6856
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dOd
Citizen
Username: Dod
Post Number: 124
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
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What are the town rules when it comes to rooming houses? Are there areas zoned for this type of thing?
A house near me was recently renovated and rented to what seems to be at least 6 students. There are now cars parked on their lawn.
dOd |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6162
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:59 am: |
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DoD
I think it was said last year no more then five non related people (except group home type places) can live in the same house. I don't think you're allowed to park on the lawn. Maybe Mark or Howard can answer that question. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6163
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 12:09 pm: |
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Aqw-
As much as I dislike what some of the SH students do; it doesn't seem fair the police dump all of you in the same basket; even I don't do that. Did the officer answering the phone ask you if you were a student? If not, how did he know?
Are they not allowing anyone to park overnight on the streets surrounding the college, or just SH students aren't allowed to park overnight? I would think if the police have never had to respond to a call about your place and it has never been one of those 'party houses' the police would be more accommodating; especially if your roommate had a friend visiting. I wonder if the over night parking would have been allowed if a parent had been visiting.
Maybe you can give the police department a call Monday asking them what procedure you'd need to follow if in the future you have an overnight guest. Explain with the exception of the street; there is no parking for your guests. Is there a lot near by? Maybe having a permit for the lot would be useful. This way your overnight guests can park there instead of the street. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 263
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 12:17 pm: |
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jersey boy, I agree - this is the place to vent on Shu.
Jta and teach - as residents we shouldnt(!) have to deal with such behavior! I am no fan thats for sure! I did not mean we should all keep quiet when "very real issues" happen in the neighborhood or on our front lawns. I hate the fact that certain young people (shu or not) have lost common respect for those around them, themselves, and their peers (as Aqwabug pointed out). I dont think its fair that those who love south orange who choose to live here have to put up with the same crap each week. But like I said sometimes we have to deal with it.
Now that I think about it, "whine" was too strong a word.. I know its tough so we all have the right to complain or voice opinions when we feel the need. Sorry everyone! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 6166
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
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Ant
I agree with you, we shouldn't have to put up with this from SH students or anyone else for that matter. Something was said on the other thread about students not having Friday classes which is why Thursday's are big party night. Thus my comment about people working.
This note is a thread from Thursday and the loud parties on Tichner (sp).
http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=10210&post=695555#POST695 555
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Scully
Citizen
Username: Scully
Post Number: 1049
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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My question remains: Is 973-412-6856 24/7?
3AM partying can be reported at 3AM, in other words? |
SOrising
Citizen
Username: Sorising
Post Number: 798
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 2:32 pm: |
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Welcome Aqwabug and Katie Chrusz. Thanks for your comments. A liaison committee sounds like a good idea. But how much time would it take for results through it versus enforcing ordinances such as occupancy limits or underage drinking, were there one? What is the quickest way to get relief at 3 AM - the committee or the police? Its great if the committee can do anything to ameliorate these problems and I hope people make some effort to work with it. However, people most disturbed by these problems also need to rely on the regulatory authority and enforcement power of the town as a backup to volunteer efforts without the same authority or power. (Furthermore, college volunteers should not be handling issues related to crack. Its just too dangerous for the town and those volunteers.) So residents who have to suffer through these events should probably pursue the volunteer efforts along with getting the town to do something rather than nothing. I don't know that denying overnight parking privileges to visitors is the best way to act either, but it may be the only tool SO's board of trustees has provided the police. Like so many other problems in town, this is one SO residents need to take directly to SO's BOT, to see what kind of assistance, if any, they can get from it. |
Kingsbury Union
Citizen
Username: Kingsbury
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 2:46 pm: |
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I'm new to the board to but not to MOL, been reading it for a while.
My kids were in colleges and participated in the greek system. While this disrespectful behavior from SHU kids is the norm, it doesn't have to be tolerated. My daughters school closed down their soriety house and made the sisters clean it up and promise not to have any more late parties when they reopened. Can't the SHU admin do likewise? |
Irvington Pirate
Citizen
Username: Irvingtonpirate
Post Number: 89
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 3:10 pm: |
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Glock says "Sheena...I have a better idea. If I ever see someone urinating on my front lawn...I grab a <insert> and have a friendly neighbor-to-neighbor conversation. Hopefully a brief one.
for that matter if i see/ hear them in the street i just might have to stand out on my front porch and have the same conversation."
Ahhh, little Glock flexing his little internet muscles again. Do your parents let you stay up that late and wander outside in your PJ's to confront strangers?
Why is it that there are people on this board, not just Glock, that think all of the town's ills are the cause of Seton Hall and/or their students? I have a hard time believing that the majority of Seton Hall students are out running around the streets late at night, making noise, drinking and peeing all over the place.
Look, if someone is making noise I am sure there is a noise ordinance in town. Call the police. Most towns have a noice ordinance that kicks in at about 10 or 11 pm. Why are people waiting to call if they are that tired and miserable? After about 5 minutes you should be able to tell if this is going to keep up for a period of time. Call the police! Don't wait three hours. If you can wait that long then it can't be bothering you that much.
If someone pees on your lawn (and I really, really have a tough time believing that this happens with any sort of regularity, and I believe it even less that SHU students are responsible for it), again, call the police. What are you waiting for?
For those living in close proximity to the university, you had to know that when you moved in that the university was there. While everyone has a right to a peaceful neighborhood without problems you would have to figure that once in awhile something may occur that wouldn't normally occur if you lived in an area outside a major university. This doesn't excuse noise or whatever else might occur but it should have made you think about the possibilities that something could happen and how you would deal with it. You should have thought about that before you signed the contract.
Sheena and other students who post here have given everyone suggestions on what to do as well as numerous ways to contact those individuals. Have you taken their suggestions? Doesn't look like it for the majority of the complainers. Also, when you saw students moving in to off-campus houses have you ever gone over and just introduced yourself as a neighbor? Maybe if the kids realized that people their parents age were living right next door or across the street instead of a neighborhood of homes filled with college aged kids like themselves they would be even more aware of the noise they made. Also, tax records are public, see who the real owner of the house is and let them know if you experience problems. Something tells me that a few phones calls to the owner could get things cleared up right away.
Also, you do realize that a good number of students have 8 and 9 o'clock classes and they can't all be out wreaking havoc on the village, much as some would like to believe this.
I am just so sick of everyone blaming SHU students for everything that is wrong in their lives. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1900
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 4:59 pm: |
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Irvington Pirate that is far from the case. These are legitimate complaints against SHU students. Since when has anyone here posted that everything wrong with their lives is related to SHU?
BTW, as I said before when we moved here around 17 years ago the neighborhood was quiet, clean, and generally good.
Things have been getting worse over the years. Regardless of living by a university we have a right to a night's sleep uninterupted by rowdy, drunken idiots trying to find their way back on campus in the wee hours. |
Katie Chrusz
Citizen
Username: Chruszka
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 5:48 pm: |
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Thank you all for your welcome wishes. I appreciate it. I will try to touch a bit on every post since my last entry. Some of the information that I am including in this response has been either researched by me first hand, or has been past on to me through administrators or students. If there are any inconsistencies, I truly apologize.
Glock, your parents have been in South Orange since 1989- if I have done my math correctly. Much has changed since then. In 1989 the SHU basketball team made it to the final four. Enrollment was at an all time high and many new groups and organizations were being formulated. There was a bar located in the center of campus which served as the epicenter of fun and festivities on those dull weekend nights. In addition, in 1989 there were two local bars, Kevin’s and The Hall which catered to the SHU community. Also at this time, some distinguished alumni, who were in fraternal organizations purchased housing informally directly across from campus for current and future brothers of their respective organizations. On any given night, students would leave their trapper keepers in their rooms, -- the boys would throw on their acid washed ripped years and their Members only jackets, the girls with their aqua net caked hair and brand new neon leggings – and happily truck down to one of these hip hang outs. This was 1989. The students had places to go – things to do. It seemed like nothing could go wrong. Until one day all that changed.
Fast forward 11 years…
Jan. 19, 2000 – As we all know, the SHU community became victims to a horrific tragedy. As students enter SHU every year, they are reminded of what is considered to be one of, if not the darkest day in the Hall’s history. On that fateful night, a community was shattered. As a result, many new changes to the campus and its surroundings were changed. Residence Halls were now equipped with the state of the art fire systems. Alcohol policies were established and strictly enforced. The two local bars conveniently were closed. The bar on campus was quickly transformed into a café. Although members living in informal Greek housing tried to persevere, many of them could not maintain the cost of keeping up the facilities due to the drastic drop of membership and interest, and were forced to move on campus. These were appropriate changes that needed to be done. The days of Dionysius were over. Unfortunately, as necessary as the changes were, it left the students looking for a new outlet.
As the Seton Hall Motto states...in spite the hazards, go forward.
And that we did.
Fast forward 6 years.
2006. Although I just graduated, I can honestly say that Seton Hall is better now than it has been in years. The administration makes a consistent effort in trying to enhance the students’ college experience. The cafeteria and several Residence Halls were recently renovated. Organizations are receiving a new found support from the University and are seeing an increase in numbers. A popular band is coming in October to play in the gym. A Residence Hall has been established for those students who are passionate about volunteering. Both freshman and Greek Organizations are required to perform 20 hours of community service a semester – and for the first time in quite some time, are excited to do so. Students can’t stop talking about exciting events such as University Day and SHU 500. The entire atmosphere just seems to be filled with a new sense of hope and purpose.
Are students partying? Yes. I do believe we have something to celebrate. Is this any excuse for rude, crude, or uncouth behavior? Absolutely not! As suggested in my previous post, the Village Liaisons created the calling system in order to help alleviate some of the tension surrounding this issue. The number, (thank you nooracombs for so kindly posting it) is: 973-412-6856. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the members of the committee are very prompt in responding to concerns or complaints. If you feel uncomfortable going over and talking to your neighbors either that night or any night for that matter call the Village Liaisons. They are there in order to try to reach a happy medium. The students should not feel free to run amuck and terrorize their innocent neighbors. On the flip side, I don’t deem it necessary for their neighbors to stare out their window waiting for the first signs of life and activity with the phone in hand and a blunt object in the other. I believe the views about one another --- of the students by the village and vice a versa are not only grossly exaggerated but quite disheartening and damaging. It is terrible how the actions and opinions of a few people can ruin the reputation and relationship between the village and the SHU community. Seton Hall is not going anywhere soon, nor do I believe are any of you. Please. Talk to your neighbors, if that doesn’t work or you are uncomfortable in doing so, try the village liaisons. If an unruly gathering ensues and all else fails, my sincerest apologies – again…Call the cops – they deserve it.
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Katie Chrusz
Citizen
Username: Chruszka
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 6:16 pm: |
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Kingsbury Union: South Orange currently has an ordinance that prohibits official fraternity, sorority, club or organizational housing. Keep in mind the key word here is “official.” Often times what happens, regarding Greeks, is that they will rent a house that is compromised with a maximum of five brothers or sisters (another ordinance limits the amount of people living in a house who are not blood relatives) They are not official houses because there is no money invested by their national headquarters nor do they have to follow the standards of housing outlined by their respected organization. I must point out to you that these “hot spots” are not only solely composed of Greek organizations. In fact I don’t believe I would be wrong in saying that Greeks are responsible for under 20% of these hotspots. Hopefully, I have helped in some manor. |
