Tuesday, August 15, 2006
They are really smart down in Madison
Somehow I think these students should be smart enough that the property management has to clean the property before someone new moves in...unless they like the smell of booze and puke.
But then again, it's Madison.
The scene outside a pink brick house on Gorhman St. was a common one Monday afternoon near the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A wooden futon was perched on the front lawn, buried under piles of boxes and dishes. Bunk bed frames rested against the front porch. Garbage bags overflowing with clothes were strewn amid lamps naked of their shades.
Lounging in the middle of the madness, one on a swivel chair, the other on a sleeping bag, were the owners of the belongings, Phil Davis and Doug Biglow. The juniors were knee-deep in a dilemma that faces thousands of UW-Madison students this week every year.
Most of the apartments and houses that rent to students have leases that expire Aug. 14; by noon, the tenants must be out. But, in order for landlords to have time to clean, many of the new leases don't kick in until noon Aug. 15.
While many students who find themselves homeless for 24 hours check into hotels with their families or stay with friends, others are forced to stay on the streets with their possessions.
"It's ludicrous," said Biglow, who, along with Davis, planned to stay hunkered on the front lawn until this afternoon, when they will be able to move into their new house. "Walk around the streets, and you'll see, everyone has a base camp set up."
Labels: UW System
