University of Akron - Tel Buch Yearbook (Akron, OH)

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With the passage of a new city ordinance, scenes like this should be a thing of the past as landlords must meet strict regulations before leasing units. Unfortunately it took the tragic death of senior Mike Albaugh in May 1987, to garner the attention of the University, city, and student leaders in regards to importance of safeguarding homes. Albaugh died in his third floor room during a kitchen fire. Crack-Down On Campus Housing Off-campus housing targeted for improvements The classic view of a college student is one of a person juggling work a nd school while residing in a ramshackled residence. Along with the apartment or house comes the landlord who, if you’re lucky, is around when needed and not just when rent is due. Sadly this is not a classic, but a stark reality to many students who must daily face living in unsafe conditions. All this ended tragically for UA senior Michael Albaugh on May 14, 1987. He died in his 3rd floor room, a few short days before graduation, when he was unable to escape the smoke and flames that engulfed his home. Michael’s death didn’t simply disappear into a meaningless statistic; it became a motivator to other students living in off campus housing. 1987 became a year of reform in the area of housing. For the first time the university hosted a housing fair for students. The show informed students of their and the renter’s rights. Campus police officer s offered tips on securing and safeguarding their homes. The City Council of Akron approved an inspection plan for student-oriented housing. The $500,000 plan calls and provides for initial inspections, annual reinspections, and the relaxing of zoning laws to encourage development of housing. “I can’t think of anything more important than having our students live in safe housing,” stated an enthusiastic Robert Dubik, associate provost and dean of student services. The new program will consist of a rigid inspection of approximately 1100 housing units. Two inspectors will be assigned from the City Health Dept. The City will foot the bill for the project for the first two years and according to Jerry Egan- a city planner in the D.O.P.U.D.- a self sustaining fee will take over after that. The program hopes to build a stronger relation between landlords and tenants and tear down the stereotypes that tend to plague new programs of this kind. John Cavalier of University Rentals supports the program and thinks any problems will be “minor”. Cavalier controls 135 units and is planning renovations and new constructions in the area. He hopes that the inspections will help both landlords and students. - James A. Piedad Off-Campus Housing 11

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Housing renovations are quickly becoming a popular sight as landlords are reacting to student and university demands Safety hazards such as broken glass are for safe living conditions. common in off-campus housing units. Yes, the condition of my house is much better than some of the other houses I’ve seen. It took awhile to find it, but it was worth the time.” -Kelly Kepas sophomore 10 Student Lif

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Vf really mouei ourselves after anyone, we have our own style . -Harry Sivec, Pelican ' s guitarist Senior music major and guitarist, Kevin Miller, and part-time bass instructor Jeff Bremer enjoy an impromptu jazz jamming session at Schwanies, a local bar which encourages university musicians. Life 12 Student