Harsh Public Comments for Iona Occupancy

Of the comments given during a public hearing Tuesday about Iona College's request to extend its dorm occupancy limits, none were in favor.

New Rochelle resident Tom Cassidy was firmly against the waiver.

He said he thought the college knowingly put too many students in their dorms. Because of the college, he said home values are going down.

"This is about greed," Cassidy said. "Iona is making money."

The public hearing was a chance for residents to voice their concerns about Iona College's request to extend the increased number of students able to be housed in its dorms by five years.

The rationale was that there was a two-year extension granted when the college discovered it was not in compliance with the city's zoning code, while remaining in compliance with fire codes and state standards. City zoning regulations permit the housing of 696 students. The college currently has 850 students in the dorms.

The extension, if granted, would be contingent on the approval of a final report by the College-City-Community Planning Committee that includes the recommendation of the extension.

Robert McCaffrey said it wasn't just about the additional 150 students.

"Extending the process out for six years is unacceptable if there is no plan," he said.

McCaffery said the college needs to work within the original timeframe first before moving on to other approaches.

"Don't keep rewarding Iona College for their irresponsible and selfish actions," he said.