The Town of Farmville vs. LU Students

By Emily Journell
Rotunda Staff WriterAfter examining tensions that Longwood students have with the town of Farmville, more specifically with the Farmville police, the tensions that the town of Farmville might have with Longwood students needs to be addressed as well. Town Manager Gerald "Gerry" Spates said students are "a big part of our community" and they "do a lot for the community through community service." Spates's daughter went to Longwood and he expressed that most all of his experiences with Longwood students have been positive ones. Although Spates did say that a big issue for the town is the "area up on Buffalo Street causing trash issues" and "If they'd just get up and clean afterwards" it might be much less of a problem for them.

The town of Farmville had a town forum where they discussed many town issues and those between the town and students. One of the things discussed was the evaluation of the police department. Spates said that they allegedly "hired a consultant to do an evaluation of the police department" about five years ago. He spoke of how no one is going to be happy when they get ticketed for things, and as far as drinking goes; he said that "they expect kids to party." Spates said there is "a lot of talk about drinking" and many students talk about other colleges and how they "don't enforce drinking laws." However, Spates feels there has been a lot discussed about changing drinking laws and lowering the drinking age. He also feels "that these laws need to be enforced." Spates said that not only are there a lot of complaints from residents, but there are also reports of "students complaining about other students." The Farmville police and the Town Manager's views of things important, but the residents and store managers have their own views.

The Roses discount store, within walking distance of Longwood, is often visited by students. Store Manager Tina Moore has lived in the town of Farmville for 40 years and always remembers "looking up to the college kids." In regards to having any sort of tensions with the students who come into her store, she said, "No, we don't really have any trouble" and that "sometimes they play around a little bit, but if I were a college student I probably would too."

Another local store manager who wished to remain anonymous stated that he had not really seen too much tension in his four years of working there. However, he did express past zoning issues. He said, "A few years ago, we had issues when people had parked their cars over here." With regards to this issue, he said that it "happens everywhere" and is a "minor thing to me." They have now put up "signs on poles" that let student know that they cannot just leave cars parked in certain parking spots.

A resident that has lived in town for eight years also wished to remain anonymous. He had worked an internship with Farmville police and reports many good experiences from that. As far as Farmville police having tension with Longwood students, he said, "I don't really think they have one." He felt "college kids stimulate our economy" and "if they didn't have them, they wouldn't have what they have now." In reference to the Farmville police, the "revenue from students is pretty high up there." Not only does this revenue come in for the police, but it also comes in for the town and places like the bowling alley really thrive from college students. With regards to the discussions many students have about select police being corrupt, he said "I wouldn't really say any of them are really corrupt" and that "they like students and what they bring in for the community.