Bayside Village, the independently-owned student housing complex on Marginal Way, has been up and running for little over six weeks. That’s why it’s troubling to some that the Portland police department is already so well-acquainted.
Right from the beginning, law enforcement found themselves heading over on a regular basis. They were called to respond to a variety of issues: noise complaints, underage drinking, and parties spilling out into the sidewalk.
It only drew attention to the delicate balance owners of the complex were faced with in offering more independence than your typical dorm, a major selling point, while still renting to over 300 college students.
The problems became so obvious that just two weeks after the facility opened its doors, there was an abrupt change of management – from Scott Ranger to Lori Mattson, who formerly held the positions of Leasing Director and Assistant Manager.
“These sorts of issues happen at dorms, and at regular apartment complexes in the community,” says Mattson. “But when you have the amount of students we have in the building without the proper staffing, you really need good management.”
“There wasn’t enough being done,” she added.
Mattson describes a chaotic first fourteen days, from the moment students moved in a full week before the start of school. There was no security, no cameras in many hallways, and no student staff living in the building. But she believes the worst vulnerability was an unlocked back stairwell that allowed 24-hour access into the building to outsiders.
“The biggest problem really had to do with underage drinking not by our residents, but non-students, friends, and visitors,” Mattson says.
Some residents have also recognized the problems caused by guests.
“Kids…are free to bring over whoever they want,” says fifth-year USM student Justin Morse. “It seems that a lot of damage and recklessness is coming from people who don’t even live here.”
Tim Noyes, another fifth-year USM student and current resident, doesn’t quite understand the uproar. He thinks many of the issues are to be expected of any student-occupied facility.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been worse than any other dorm that I’ve lived in,” Tim says. “When you have a young crowd and you throw booze into that mix, you’re gonna get loud drunk kids anywhere you are. It’s an equation for drama.”
Upon taking over as general manager, Mattson immediately implemented major reforms. Over the past few weeks there have been more cameras installed, back doors were equipped with alarms, and a security staff was hired to monitor the complex around the clock.
But she cites increased cooperation with the Portland Police Department as one of the most important developments. Since her appointment, the majority of calls they have received about Bayside have been from her – not residents or passersby.
As a preventative measure, she frequently brings officers in for random “walkthroughs” during peak partying times: in the wee hours of Friday and Saturday nights.
It all adds up to a new view of the property – from that of a dorm or apartment building to a place of business. A conscious effort has been made to hold residents accountable for lease violations and disturbances, from which Mattson says she has six evictions currently being processed.
And the changes should keep coming.
When Bayside Village was first being developed, there were plans for an elaborate student community center. For now, the focus is simply on making it possible for hundreds of students, average age 22, to co-exist peacefully.
“I think we have a lot of work to do to get where we need it to be.” said Mattson.