Hitting the streets for neighborhood harmony in Geneva

On one hand, the benefits are many — from a student populous that provides much-needed revenue for city businesses to the cultural amenities and educated faculty that enrich the community.

In recent years, Hobart and William Smith Colleges graduates have often opted to stay after graduation to become local entrepreneurs, creating new businesses and jobs.

Then there’s the downside of the town-gown relationship: Excessive noise from parties at sometimes-overcrowded off-campus housing to the disturbances of city neighborhoods during late-night and early morning gallivanting.

The College Area Livability Task Force, formed in 2016, was designed to improve this fragile town-gown relationship in Geneva. Members of the task force include HWS staff and students, City Council members, city staff and residents. The group meets regularly to hash out an assortment of issues.