City represses growth

John Carroll University and University Heights continue to have problems. Growing concerns have arisen in the University’s pursuit to expand.  The administration has been making efforts to start the master plan as well as other projects, like additional parking areas and playing fields. But, the city continues to try to repress the school’s progress, citing expansion as an encroachment on their neighborhoods.  

University Heights City Council needs to realize that a handful of residents don’t make up the majority opinion and should support University endeavors. While we understand that there have been minor stipulations with off-campus students that have angered residents, these situations are only a small population of the student body. Residents are failing to recognize the school as an asset.

JCU is the biggest employer, as well as the largest revenue generator. Without the school, the city would be unable to comfortably support itself.  Also, the University hosts events and entertainment that allows the community to come together. 

If JCU is unable to grow and expand, it cannot accommodate more students. And without more students, it cannot create revenue.  JCU administrators have been working tirelessly to find ways to communicate effectively with the city. 

But until the city is willing to realize that the University needs to reinvent itself and produce a competitive and up to date campus, we will continue to run into problems.