When the City of Plattsburgh and Plattsburgh State University announced last April that they were going to jointly investigate options for assailing the vandalism and noise problems in the Center City neighborhood just west of downtown, we were hopeful but somewhat skeptical. We've seen many studies, over the years, either turn up tepid responses to other problems or identify effective solutions only to have the problem get lost under a barrage of other priorities.
This one seemed different, though. For one thing, Dr. Edward Miller of the college was put in charge of this exploratory commission, and he has a history of getting things done. For another, there was enough neighborhood agitation to give the inquiry more than a little urgency.
What it came up with as an attack on drunken, late-night behavior has all the earmarks of an effective approach.
As expected, the emphasis was not placed on adding a cadre of police officers to try to enforce laws. The city cannot afford that, and, after all, that is treating the symptom, not the disease.
Instead, the commission recommended some legislative changes, including a law to enable property owners to recover damages inflicted by vandals, a tightening of zoning for off-campus housing and the forcing of landlords to take greater responsibility for their tenants' behavior.
These and other recommendations should increase accountability, leading to greater inhibitions of bad behavior.
But, to our way of thinking, the most promising recommendation of all is the appointment of a drug and alcohol coordinator and a campus-city coordinator, both on the campus.
Thus, someone will be constantly looking at laws and programs, evaluating their effectiveness and researching solutions. Instead of the weary response of, "We're doing what we can "" it's only a small percentage causing the problem," or, "It's 6,000 young adults "" what do you expect?", someone will actually be actively overseeing the situation. And someone will be made to account if things don't improve.
In days gone by, Plattsburgh State and other schools had a dean of students, who was the most feared person on campus, at least among the students. That official wielded the dreaded club of "social probation," a crackdown on activities that scared most wayward students straight.
It may seem primitive in this day of "enlightenment," but fear may still be the most effective weapon against bad student behavior. A small fine in City Court is quickly forgotten, but accountability to one's parents through a college watchdog is the perpetual threat.
We note that one area that was not addressed was the alleged problem of underage drinking at downtown bars. If we are to surmise from this that the panel considers fake IDs or poor vigilance by local bartenders are not part of the problem?
We congratulate Miller and his commission on a comprehensive look at a long-term cancer. We are not pollyanna about these recommendations. They are not solutions unless the city and college make them be.
But we have enough confidence in both to believe the recommendations will be given the chance to work.
Opinion
August 1, 2007
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