From: Laura Akgulian <
laura@marginata.com>
A belated response to the neighbor who was looking for creative ways
to deal with rowdy frat-style group houses...
some ideas that have yielded great results on our block:
Introduce yourself to the students at the first opportunity. Give them
your name, business card, phone number, etc. Remind them there are
children and working people on the block. If they plan to have a
party, it would be great if they could give you advance notice, etc.
Help them understand that, by living on your block, they now have
civic obligations to fulfill.
If the group comprises males and females, talk to the females first
(sorry, guys). It's often easier for them to empathize and respond to
your entreaties, while their male counterparts seem to believe in
their inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of keggers.
Have the landlord stipulate conditions about drinking, partying,
music, hours, or other concerns in the lease. To contact an absentee
landlord, ask the students for his/her name and number. If they refuse
to divulge it or you feel uncomfortable approaching them, ask the
maintenance people--yard crew, plumber, etc.
If all else fails, attend their parties. Once you get over the
profound irritation of having to dress yourself again at 2 a.m., it's
actually kind of fun to see the reaction of the kiddies when they
realize there's an oldster in their midst. I've done this two or three
times and, believe me, it's an experience most of them would rather
not repeat. Just tell them since you couldn't sleep you decided you
might as well join them. For added zing, don't comb your hair. The
looks of horror, astonishment, and sheepishness are worth the price of
admission (free!).
Good luck & happy zzzzs!