Page 14 - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, September 8, 1988 'U'-CITY INTERACTION 'U', city share 1 BY LIZ ROHAN It has been said that husbands and wives begin to look alike after years together. The same appears true for the University and the town that surrounds it; the University has shaped the economy and values of Ann Arbor for decades. Ann Arbor has relied economi- cally on the University since the Civil War, said Jonathan Marwil, an Ann Arbor historian. And the Uni- versity has grown with the town. "After every great war, the Univer- sity goes through an automatic ex- pansion and it doubles in enrollment. When the student body expands, obviously the town's economy prospers," Marwil said. GEORGE PERRIN, president of the State Street Merchant's Asso- 'iation and owner of The Brown Jug on South University, said he and other Ann Arbor merchants depend on the students. "When the students leave we are slow," he said. "The students make me money; "sudents bring me here. The students bring dollar signs to Ann Arbor," 'kid Larry Lockhardt, a Cottage Inn 'employee. The University itself contributes to the city as the largest employer in 'Washtenaw County. The University Medical Center alone employs 8,700 people. :u MARWIL SAID Ann Arbor has ,been protected from serious eco- nomic recessions because education is a consistent industry. When D0- 7troit's economy slumps with auto- - mobile sales, Ann Arbor's continues o benefit from steady streams of college students, Marwil said. The city successfully weathered the national recessions of the 1870s, ,the 1930s and the 1970s. And during The Great Depression, unemploy- -nent in Ann Arbor was about 12 percent - as compared to the na- .tional average of 25 percent. The University's concentration on research also benefits the economy of Ann Arbor, because research-oriented businesses such as Parke-Davis want to be located near sites of scientific research. "(The University) became a sort of magnet for these businesses and it has continued this way," Marwil said. "THE UNIVERSITY has shaped the town and is responsible for the growth of our major indus- tries in terms of jobs and real es- Iki tate," said Louisa Pieper, staff director for the Ann Arbor Historic Preservation Commission. Marwil also credited the Univer- sity with giving Ann Arbor a toler- ance for differences and acceptance of change. "Alternative lifestyles are accepted here. There is an acceptance of interracial situations," said Pieper, adding that the town's character is shaped by the University. Ann Arbor teenager Greg Hunt said he sees this "college town" as a place where people can pretty much do what they want, where people will listen to different points of view. "It's a liberal town." he said. AIMEE MCGOVERN, who works at Hertler Brothers' hardware store on South Ashley Street, said she thinks the University helps make Ann Arbor the best place to live in lower Michigan. "It's comfortable and non-judgmental," she said. "The University is good for the town. We get a nice mixture of people. The graduates stay on and it's good for the town." Some Ann Arbor residents, how- Yzfn , ever, say the University ignores the . problems of the community and that the majority of students are apathetic , . toward and unaware of the city's A needs. "Living in Ann Arbor you get the sense that the University is a very special place. (The University) LSA junior Niki Myers and. raises the quality of life in the Interaction between Ann Ar town," said Sue Budin, an Ann Ar- bor resident. "But it's a fairy tale place and people are insensitive to in the community for credit - said problems of other parts of the coun- the people of Ann Arbor "have a lot try - especially the inner cities," of appreciation and respect for the she said. students." He thinks the relationship A COORDINATOR for an Ann between the city and the University Arbor neighborhood center, who is one of "mutual benefits." wished to remain unnamed, said the "IT'S GREAT for the students University co unity pays too to be of service, and it's great for the much attention t he world outside contacts. The neighborhood centers, Ann Arbor. schools and shelters we contact are "The University is concerned very appreciative," he said. with worldwide problems and does "Students are full of energy and a not give too much energy or real desire to help." commitment into their own Ann Arbor resident Colin John- community," he said. "Our own son works at Ann Arbor's Ozone backyard is overlooked for a larger House, a runaway youth and family picture. Project Outreach is an counseling home. He agreed that example of what the University students ought to realize "there is a could do in large scale." whole community outside of the University psychology Pro'U'." Richard Mann, coordinator of "The University makes it a small Project Outreach - a program town and big city at the same time. I which allows students to volunteer #HVM k 41 A4 K-kMUV *lFIA Ekk-NCHr R.AWN AVA1VA4P A bo t t t t c 1 1 l l i nage, economy x p~ KAREN HANDELA/DSy nn AbrrsdnTo Keywrkath WidlrCmmnyBkey FurthzSt spxU ~. 4'L5 u t e. t 4~ don't have to go to Detroit to see the (D-3rd Ward) said it's hard to make citizens are not pleased with same things," he said. a distinction between the Ann Arbor students but "particularly menacihg THE LAST serious conflict be- community and the University be- comments" are rarely heard. "The tween the University students and cause so many people in Ann Arbor relationship between the University Ann Arbor citizens was in June, are a part of both. But some natural and the city of Ann Arbor hras 1969. On three successive nights, conflicts exist, she said. generally been very good," he said thousands of students congregated "THE MAJOR conflict in the "THERE IS bound to be a love- on South University to convince the community is that the University hate relationship. between the city turn the street into a mall. doesn't provide enough (on-campus) University and the town in which ii During the conflict, students blocked housing for the students," a fact sits," said Catherine Cureton, a Uni- traffic and hurled stones at police, which exacerbates Ann Arbor's versity employee. There were numerous arrests, but no housing shortage, she said. Most Ann Arbor citizens agree one was killed, and there was little Beyond this issue, Brater said, the relationship between the city and damage. there is constant friction in neigh- University is a trade-off. The Marwil, a history professor, said borhoods surrounding the University University gives the city jobs, medi- that conflict was not typical of the fraternity and sorority houses be- cal care, Big Ten sports, and culture relationship between the students cause of the constant partying in - but takes away some 'of its and the townspeople, just a these neighborhoods. "This makes housing, parking spaces, and reflection of the turbulence between residents worried about the safety of sometimes, peace and quiet. Like a generations during the years of the their children," she added. marriages, the University and An Vietnam draft. Ann Arbor Mayor Gerald Arbor are bound together, for richer City councilmember Liz Brater Jernigan said sometimes Ann Arbor or poorer, better or worse. 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