Commentary: A student-led city council would focus on housing & parking
Potential student victories next November could mean significant shifts in Williamsburg's priorities
A recent post here in the Williamsburg Independent asserted that an opportunity exists for William & Mary students to win control of the Williamsburg City Council next year. Whether students will make a run at a majority and their decision’s potential outcome remain unsettled. But here’s what issues might move to the forefront if students prevail.
Eliminate “3-person rule”
Williamsburg’s code currently allows no more than 3 unrelated people to live in the same residence. At this time, a landlord seeking to increase the amount of tenants must meet a range of requirements and the application must be approved by the city’s zoning administrator. This rule has long chaffed students at the College of William and Mary and a student-led city council would likely do away with it.
Approve more housing
Many residents, not just students, believe that the city’s zoning and other development hurdles are too restrictive. They claim that limiting construction of new housing drives up rents and forces people to live further away from school and jobs. A student-led council will approve more new development, perhaps including some projects that were previously rejected.
Focus on problematic landlords
Students at William & Mary have complained about living conditions maintained by some landlords. The city is currently considering implementing a voluntary housing program called “Rent Ready”. In return for meeting a variety of quality-related standards, participating landlords will be able to rent their property to 4 students. Instead of enticing better behavior from landlords, students likely will be more interested in enforcement, using whatever tools they can.
Eliminate parking restrictions
If housing isn’t the number one issue for students, parking is. A slew of different restrictions and long distances affect both students residing near the college and others who commute. Making access to the college less difficult could be a priority of students on council. They could start by eliminating the zone/residency requirements to park near the college, for example replacing it with a time limit during prime hours.
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