Athens Mayor and Ohio University President issue joint statement in advance of spring semester weekend activities

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson and Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis shared a joint statement in advance of spring semester weekend activities.

Spring semester offers many opportunities for fun and civic engagement. Warmer weather is a welcome reprieve for many from the cold, winter months. The City of Athens and Ohio University encourage students and all local Athens residents to have a safe and responsible spring semester. Our goals are to ensure safety, encourage civility, and promote intelligent decision making at all times.

A safe, civil and smart spring semester requires that residents respect and follow the laws of the City and the Code of Conduct of Ohio University. Residents should expect an increased law enforcement presence, and they will be strict in their enforcement of the law. Laws such as the nuisance party ordinance, open container of alcoholic beverages on rights of way (sidewalks and streets), other alcohol violations, glass-free zones, disorderly conduct and noise will be the primary focus. 

This semester offers several unique opportunities for positive civic engagement. Volunteers are needed to assist in uptown graffiti removal efforts, which will be spearheaded by the Target Area Graffiti (TAG) task force on Tuesday, April 17^th at 5 p.m. at City Hall that will go until 7 p.m., with a rain date of Thursday, April 19^th . In addition, residents are encouraged to lend their time and service to various city and county beautification efforts during this year’s Athens Beautification Day on Sunday, April 22^nd . Register for Athens Beautification Day at http://www.serveathens.wordpress.com/

Your support and commitment is critical to our unique and celebrated community. Let us continue in our combined efforts to truly make Athens a beautiful place to study, work and live.