What are your thoughts on the impact the University of Scranton has on the community?
My two cents:
Property Taxes - If you look at things purely from a property tax revenue perspective, there is no doubt that the University has not had a positive impact. You do wonder though, given the nature of at least some of the property the University has purchased (older, run-down homes, churches, etc.) how much revenue truly has been lost.
Other Tax Revenue - The University does draw people from outside the area to Scranton (students, faculty, etc.) and they do spend money, so there is additional revenue created. I'm not sure though if that makes up for lost property-tax revenue. Construction activity also generates permit and other fee revenue.
Image/Aesthetic - The University has a tremendously positive impact of the overall aesthetics of Scranton. Driving into Scranton from I81, the University's campus creates a very positive image and impression for the city. People I work with from out of town who see the University's campus are always impressed.
Us vs Them - I think (note the word "think") the Universtiy administration tends to promote an "us" vs. "them" mentality when it comes to the city. That's not unique to them though, as certain elements outside the University also take that same (but opposite) tact. I think part of the mentality comes from the notion that the University sells itself as providing something of an elite Jesuit education...in other words, it's easy push others down as you pump yourself up.
Crime - Any organization that brings several thousand young people to a community will be accused of increasing crime. However, I really don't think the University adds significantly to crime in the city. From what I recall in reviewing college crime statistics (for when my oldest daugther was choosing a college), crime on campus is pretty low.
The bottom line for me is that I do think the University has a positive impact on the city, although there are times when I wish they viewed themselves as being more a part of the commuity than apart from the community.
-- Edited by Agamemnon at 09:56, 2008-06-28
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RE: The University of Scranton: Asset or Liability?
Asset. But occasionally they overstep their boundaries. I'll take redevelopment (even tax-exempt) over neglected, overcrowded out-of-state-owned tenements any day.
I think that the impact that the University of Scranton has on the city for the mostpart is positive. I think however that they could contribute to the city financially and if that is not possible then why not give back in the way of services.
I am sure that the SSD would love to be able to send some students up to the university for tutoring, mentoring programs ... I am sure that they could provide a service throught the phys ed department to help inactive children learn to be more active ... to learn to live a healthier lifestyle ... these are also programs that could be offerd to all of the citizens for free and if that's not possible a small nominal fee.
But all in all the overall impact is positive as the surrounding community is really starting to make a comback ... it's not quite the crime infested area that it once was.
I find it very sad that this is the attitude ... we could really benefit from having the U of S here and well we look at them as the enemy ... so many useful resources go by the wayside because we have that attitude.
Just imagine how things could be if the U of S and the community worked together ... again I will say it's sad that we can't get along!
