Are there too many Tommies in West Summit houses?

TommieMedia reports why West Summit neighbors are potentially at wit's end when it comes to living among University of St. Thomas students:

(Consultant Louis) Smith said the non-homestead residence “tipping point” – when neighbors become frustrated with the number of students living in the neighborhood – is generally when non-homesteads make up 30 percent of the neighborhood. The “tipping point” is also when neighbors become concerned about decreasing property values in the neighborhood.

The percentage in that area: 40.5 percent as of 2009 -- up from 23.9 percent in 2002.

To bring that number down, the university has begun converting student rentals into owner-occupied houses, and hopes to convert 30 properties in the next five years by facilitating deals between current owners and potential buyers, the news service reports.

Read the full article here.

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